FEZILE DABI LAUNCHES FREE STATE’S GOLDEN GAMES SEASON FOR OLDER PERSONS

By Tshegofatso Mogapi.

• The Free State Department of Social Development kicked off its 2025 Golden Games with the Fezile Dabi District event in Sasolburg.
• Elderly participants from four municipalities competed in sports and recreation activities to promote active ageing.
• The games form part of a national programme to select provincial teams for the Active Ageing Championships.

The Fezile Dabi District became the first in the Free State to officially launch the 2025 District Older Persons Golden Games, hosting the opening event on 29 July in Sasolburg. The district event marks the beginning of the province’s Active Ageing Programme season, which will culminate in the Provincial Golden Games in Bloemfontein this August.
Older persons from Metsimaholo, Moqhaka, Ngwathe, and Mafube municipalities participated in friendly competitions designed to support healthy, active lifestyles. The games also serve as a platform to select a 130-member team that will represent each district at the provincial stage, with top performers ultimately forming the Free State team for the national championships.
Participants competed in a wide range of sporting codes, including the rugby throw, ring the stick, dress-up relays, 100 to 800 metre races, a 500 metre brisk walk, and Jukskei. Social Worker and Programme Coordinator Mamiki Nkalai explained that these activities were specially chosen to balance fun, mobility, and inclusion.
The event included moments of celebration and music. The Metsimaholo Choir, dressed in black, opened the games with a stirring performance. Guests from across the district were welcomed by Metsimaholo Mayor Cllr Vumisa Malindi, joined by Chief Whip Cllr Fikile Mosokweni and local councillors. The municipality also awarded each participant a certificate of appreciation.
Participants came from luncheon clubs and organisations such as Thuto ha e Tsofallwe, Marematlou, Talitakum, Itekeng, Skonkenville, Ngwathe Elders Club, Rearabetswe, and Kopanang Maqheku. Many travelled long distances, including from Oranjeville, Dennisville, and Kroonstad, to compete and celebrate the spirit of active ageing.
The district event also paves the way for upcoming Golden Games in the Mangaung Metro on 30 July and the Xhariep District in Edenburg on 31 July.
The Golden Games remain a flagship programme of the Department of Social Development to promote wellness, reduce isolation, and strengthen social inclusion for persons aged 60 and above. The initiative especially supports older persons in rural, informal, and under-resourced areas, empowering them to stay connected, physically active, and engaged in their communities.