As part of the Golden Games programme, elderly people gathered at the Danie van Zyl Recreational Centre on June 6 for a fun-filled day of activities and exercise.
The day kicked off with an energetic exercise session, setting the tone for a fun-filled day. Upbeat music filled the air as participants followed an aerobics routine, getting their hearts racing and spirits soaring.
The teams – Survivors, Fredricks Place, Divas, Phenomenal Women and Claremont Oldies – were then mixed and sent to various game stations, where the real excitement began.
According to Darien Parimal, the assistant director at the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, the programme facilitated by the department in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Social Development and the City of Johannesburg aimed to promote mental health and well-being in older persons living within the province and to build social cohesion within the community.
The event featured a range of games such as rugby ball throw, ball passing, ball dribbling, goal shooting, ring the stick, jukskei, duck walk, and dress-up race.
“The games are hosted annually in all seven regions of Johannesburg, with the winning clubs or individuals from each region getting the opportunity to compete at the City Wide games and thereafter, if successful, the provincial games and national games later in the year,” said Darien, adding that the winning teams/ individuals will represent their region on July 23 at Ruimsig Stadium.
Results for the day:
• Ball Kick and Pass: Survivors
• Ball Dribbling: South Africa Senior Fitness Association
• Goal Shooting: Dianne Cupido and Reggie van Wyk
• Ring the Stick: Divas
• Dress Up and Run: Veronica from Claremont Oldies
• Duck Walk: Bernice Felix from Claremont Oldies
• Ball Passing: Claremont Oldies
Jukskei:
• 60–69 age group (men and women): Phillip Charles and Sandra Kok
• 70+ age group (women): Lucy Came
Rugby ball throw:
• 60–69 age group (men and women): Brian Tise and Surita Charles
• 70+ age group (men and women): David Sibiya and Surprise Phage
