WEATHER OR NOT, THE GAMES PLAY ON

By Obusitšwe T Keboněilwe

• No matter the weather, the 2024/25 National Active Ageing Programme, encompassing the Golden Games, goes on.
• The rainy weather has done little to dampen the spirits of the senior citizens taking part in the annual event taking place in Rustenburg, North West.
• The games, which encourage active ageing among older persons, are about team spirit – the spirit that remains indomitable in the face adversity.

The grand entrance was so predictable, yet mind blowing. 

While dance, melody and camaraderie are ubiquitous to the national Golden Games, alterations owing to inclement weather did little to dampen the spirits.

With an extra spring in their steps, the provincial delegations entered the Rustenburg Civic hallway to the 2024/25 National Active Ageing Programme, with military discipline, resplendent in their colours.

Few would have thought that most of the older persons were supposed to be out on the fields, taking part in their sporting codes.

After the hosting – the North West MEC for Social Development, Basetsana Sussana Dantjie, had led the procession with the flame – the elderly participants broke sweat in intensive aerobic session.

The hall that yesterday had hosted choral music, soon became a multi-sport arena, the stage transforming into a playing field. The older persons showing dexterity in adopting to the surface they did not train on.

They displayed the traits of the spirit that the Limpopo MEC for Social Development, Fulufhelo Florence Radzilani, had said should guide the event.

It was a classic example of turning lemons into lemonades.

The older persons have left the comfort of their homes to play the games.

All the games are played according to their appropriate rules and regulations, so it is inevitable that the competitive spirit will creep in, but in no uncertain terms is competition allowed.

The clear goal is for the games to be physically active, without strenuously stretching their capabilities.

The games encourage active ageing.

The games are about team spirit, the spirit that remains indomitable in the face adversity.

Let the games play on!