Senior citizens win the day in National Golden Games
The senior citizens of KwaZulu-Natal once again made the Province proud as they emerged on top in this year’s National Golden Games, held at the Kings Park sporting precinct in Durban from 26-27 October. The 2017 Golden Games were held under the theme: “Older Persons Moving South Africa Forward.”
The Games encourage senior citizens to be active and promote longer life for the aged. The provincial teams participated in different sporting activities like soccer, athletics and a fun walk. The Games were part of a weeklong series of events that celebrate and highlight the welfare of senior citizen, including the Senior Citizens Parliament and cultural activities.
National Minister of Social Development, Bathabile Dlamini led the government delegation that included her Deputy Ms Henrietta Bogopane-Zulu, KZN Premier Willies Mchunu, Arts, Culture Sport and Recreation MEC Bongi Sithole-Moloi and KZN Social Development MEC Weziwe Thusi. There were also a number of MEC’s from other provinces.
Whilst’s KZN attained maximum points, it was decided that this year all the participating provinces be awarded similar trophies. This was done in the spirit of emphasising the fun part of the games rather than competition.
In his message to senior citizens, Premier Mchunu praised the country's older persons for participating at this year's national golden games.
"We thank our senior citizens for responding to the government's clarion call for our citizens to live an active and healthy lifestyle. We also appeal to those who abuse our elderly in any form to cease from doing that," said the Premier.
"We are always humbled by the dedication and commitment to achieve desired results despite the usually known obstacles associated with old age," said Mchunu.
MEC Sithole-Moloi said she was proud of the achievements by the provincial senior citizens’ team after defending the title they won in Limpopo last year.
Sithole-Moloi also said that KwaZulu-Natal Government values the contribution of our senior citizens in building our country and communities. "Providing this platform is one way of showing that we care, and look after our senior citizens by ensuring that they live long, healthy and fulfilling lives," said the MEC.
“There are a lot of illnesses that are constantly affecting the elderly. Illnesses such as; high blood pressure, diabetes, and arthritis pose a huge threat to the health of our senior citizens. It is through exciting programmes like the Golden Games, that the senior citizens get a chance to practice and interact in order to ensure a prolonged and happy life. Taking part in exercise also helps our senior citizens to reduce chances of contracting lifestyle or old age illnesses easily,” said MEC Sithole-Moloi.
Meanwhile, the senior citizens participated in the commemoration of the centenary of struggle stalwart OR Tambo.