​Last Friday, 21 July 2023, scores of senior citizens in Ekurhuleni Region made their way to Germiston Stadium to participate in the 2023 edition of the regional golden games despite a cold breeze that hit most parts of the province.
Glaring in their warm outfits, older persons took to the fields to partake in duck walk, pass and kick the ball, rugby ball throw and pegging, in an effort to secure their spot in the upcoming provincial games.
The games were hosted by the Gauteng Department of Social Development together with sister department, the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, City of Ekurhuleni, and Ekurhuleni Older Persons Forum.
Addressing the golden oldies, Gauteng Department of Social Development Ekurhuleni Regional Director, Phumla Nkosi, thanked all participants and officials who honoured the day despite a freezing weather.
She said, "In the past two years, it was not easy for us to continue with the games. This year was even more challenging because we were at the verge of not having the games. But we pride ourselves again, that together we are here to celebrate you."
"We celebrate wellness as a purpose of this day. As government, we are saying being old does not mean you are invisible. You matter to us and our communities at large."
"So, continue with healthy living and being active senior citizens," said Nkosi.
Deputy Secretary of Ekurhuleni Older Persons Forum, Mandla Cebekhulu added that waking up in a cold weather like this resembles strength and resilience.