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Local athletic senior citizens have proven their worth on the sports field, clinching the win for the Amajuba District Municipality at the Provincial Golden Games, held in Durban.
The 2022 KZN Golden Games saw thousands of elderly people flock to Durban to participate in the annual event, hosted by the Department of Sports, Art and Culture in partnership with the Department of Social Development.
With the two-day event primarily held at Chatsworth Stadium along with various other venues in Durban, an atmosphere of camaraderie and sportsmanship prevailed, as this was the first event after a two-year break due to COVID-19.
Moreover, the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture stated that the Golden Games are the only major games in the province dedicated to people aged 60 years old and above.
“They form part of a wider government special programme focusing on active ageing and are run by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in partnership with the Department of Social Department both nationally and provincially, the Office of the Premier and the Department of Health,” noted the Department.
The games that form part of the programme are of a fun nature but promote body and limb movement. These are duck walk, passing the ball, ball pass and kick, rugby ball throw, juskei, umlabalaba, ring the stick, ball relay, goal shooting, dress up, athletics and female and male football.
MEC for Sport, Arts Culture, Bani-Mapena welcomed the return of the games.
She said the programme confirms that there is no end to living an active lifestyle. She further said that these activities are to ensure we derive that maximum value and benefit from older people who are living encyclopaedias.
“The games are a living testimony that older people are actually eager to prolong their lives. The return of the games is a bittersweet moment because we know that the same participants beat Covid-19 to be here again as some of their peers succumbed to the virus. We are here also taking stock of those past moments because more than ever it’s become crucial that we take care of older people’s health and well-being. It’s our responsibility.”
Bani-Mapena
While the Golden Games participants gave it their all, the Amajuba District Municipality was crowned the new Provincial Golden Games Champions, after surprising the hosts and previous multiple winners, Ethekwini in the games. iLembe placed second, followed by Ethekwini in the third spot.
With the Amajuba District Municipality team clinching the win, its sporty elderly members have now secured a spot for themselves in the KZN Provincial Team and will be participating in the National Finals, held in Cape Town at the end of the month.
As the Amajuba District Municipality takes the win in the Golden Games, can the local District Municipality continue its winning streak at the upcoming SALGA Games, set to take place in the district from 8 to 11 December 2022?
The SALGA Games will see thousands of sporting enthusiasts from around KZN descend onto Newcastle, Utrecht and Dannhauser.
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As the District Municipality and its athletes prepare to showcase their talents, what are your thoughts on the above-mentioned?
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Well done