Movement and Activity at Overberg Golden Games | Western Cape Government

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Movement and Activity at Overberg Golden Games

5 June 2014

Despite the cold and rainy weather in Bredasdorp, hundreds of people of 60 years and over from senior clubs, organisations and old age homes participated in the Overberg regional Golden Games on 4 June 2014. The event was hosted by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), supported by the Western Cape Older Persons’ Forum and Cape Agulhas Municipality.

Participants came from as far as Bredasdorp, Caledon, Hermanus, Gansbaai, Waenhuiskrans, Grabouw and Bot River to compete in various games on the day. The track and field events were cancelled due to the rain, but this did not spoil the fun. Participants were able to compete in indoor recreational games – rugby ball goal-shoot, pass-the-ball, dress-up race and “ring the stick”. The best athletes from this event will represent the Overberg region at the Provincial Golden Games in August.

Deslin King (66) from the Caledon Oasis Club said he did not expect to have so much fun. “I felt good because my fellow participants cheered for me and that pushed me to do better when I thought I couldn’t do it. This was an experience that I will never forget.”

Manfred Josephs of DCAS said the department is committed to creating sport and recreation opportunities for older persons to stay active for life. “Coaches and technical officials from older persons’ clubs and organisations recently underwent training. Regular training sessions will be held in all regions of the Western Cape to prepare regional squad participants for the provincial Golden Games,” said Josephs.

DCAS believes that these events enhance the quality of life of older persons, improve their health and encourage them to embrace “active ageing”. Other regional Golden Games events will be held in the Cape Metropole (6 June), followed by West Coast (10 June), Central Karoo (26 June) and Cape Winelands (17 July).

Media Enquiries: 

Tania Colyn
Acting Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9877
E-mail: tania.colyn@westerncape.gov.za