The Golden Games are back on track!

The Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) has, through their continued support spanning many years, become synonymous with the Golden Games sporting event.  As is the case with so many events, the pandemic halted the Golden Games in its tracks for two years.

However, Thursday 12 May 2022 marked the day that participants were able to once again compete at the Dal Josaphat Stadium in Paarl.

The games are aimed at encouraging physical and mental health amongst senior citizens and are attended by members of elderly forums from across the Cape Winelands district. This highlight on the calendar promotes exercise, creates an opportunity to socialise with friends, old and new, and gets the muscles pumping, all with a sprinkle of healthy competition. 

“We want to encourage all senior citizens to get into the habit of practising a physical activity and to promote active aging as part of the aim to improve quality of life and health. Our senior citizens are the custodians of our knowledge and culture,” said Cllr Minnie Petersen, Portfolio Holder for Rural and Social Development at the official opening of the Golden Games.

1 500 senior citizens from 30 forums across the district donned comfortable shoes and competed in games such as jukskei, pin the washing peg, a dress-up race and showing off their speed on the tracks with the brisk walk.

“My love for walking and running keeps me feeling young. I am always motivating others around me, my peers or even those younger than me to get active and join us at the forums”, said Colleen Williams, winner of the 500 m brisk walk.

Cheers of joy and shrills of encouragement filled the air of the stadium throughout the morning – clear evidence that after two years, our seasoned citizens were happy to be back.  Not even the overcast weather and chilly air could dampen their spirit.