Gogo ready compete in the New Year
"Come competition time, I’ll be fit as an ox and I will bring back more medals".
Lolo Madonsela
80 year-old Gogo Getty Shabalala believes age is but a number, if you want to stay fit and healthy.
Gogo Shabalala is one of the elderly sportswomen participating in the Golden Games and has been preparing at her home in eMondlo near Vryheid, for when the official training for the provincial competition commences.
She said, “I really enjoy these games because they help me to keep fit, healthy and very active. I also eat healthy foods, especially the greens like cabbage and spinach; they give you a lot of strength to be able to participate in the competition.”
Gogo Shabalala also encouraged other elderly people to take part in the Golden Games.
“Other magogos like me should also take part. It helps to decrease all the chronic diseases older people are faced with. I encourage them to really consider joining me and my team mates. We also get an opportunity to visit other cities to participate in the competitions – this helps with our social life by meeting new friends,” she added.
Also read: Seniors return with gold
Despite being on a festive season break, Gogo Shabalala said she was not being lazy and kept herself busy so when training resumed in March, she would be ready.
“I do not want to have aches and pains when we reopen for our training, because we train twice a week. That is why I have been keeping busy and exercising during the holidays. Come competition time, I’ll be fit as an ox and I will bring back more medals. I already have more than five.”
(Photo Courtesy: Department of Sport and Recreation KZN)
Gogo Shabalala joined the eMondlo team in 2011 and has been a strong contender since. Her medals are for achievement in various disciplines including ring stick, shot put, duck and both the 100 and 200 metre dash.
The Golden Games were established by the national Department of Sport and Recreation for residents older than 65 years, to compete in various sporting codes on a provincial level. The winners then proceed to compete at a national level.
(Photo: GCIS)
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