Valley grannies train for sports day
Gogolympics is an exciting annual event where grannies compete in different sports such as soccer, netball, skipping and many more.
MORE than 1 000 grandmothers across the Valley of 1000 Hills are currently in training for the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust’s eighth annual Gogolympics event set to take place on Friday, 20 April at the Molweni Sports Ground.
First conceptualised in 2011, the Gogolympics is hosted every year by HACT’s gogo (granny) Support Groups Programme in partnership with eThekwini Municipality, the Department of Health and the KZN Department of Sports and Recreation.
One such granny is 72 year old Mavis Mbhele from KwaNyuswa who is adamant that her soccer team is going to win this year’s Gogolympics title.
For the past three months, Mavis and her gogo support group team members have been practicing every Saturday and she said it’s their grandchildren, who often play with them, who have given them the motivation to compete.
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“It is always a lot of fun playing with our grandchildren, even though they are young and strong, so they always beat us,” said a laughing Mavis.
Mavis describes her five grandchildren as the light of her life and their encouragement inspired her to become involved with HACT’s Gogo Support Groups programme more than seven years ago.
“I lost one of my children and two are currently working away from home, so looking after my grandchildren is my main concern now,” explained Mavis.
She said that through HACT’s Gogos Support Groups programme, she has learnt to deal with the grief of losing her child as well as how to help take better care of her grandchildren through parenting skills courses offered by the centre.
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As for the Gogolympics, Mavis, who currently plays goalkeeper for her team, said competing in the annual event has helped her to stay fit and healthy.
Two years ago, Mavis even got the chance to compete in the national Golden Games in Newcastle where she competed against grandmothers from across the province.
For now, Mavis has her sights set on beating the team from KwaMashu who were crowned last year’s Gogolympics champions.
“We are coming for them,” she said.
“We will lift that trophy and bring it home again where it belongs.”
Anyone who would also like to get involved by attending and or supporting this year’s Gogolympics event, can contact HACT’s marketing and fund-raising department on 031 765 5866 or via email at marketing@hillaids.org.za.
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