“The older persons within the Bergrivier municipal area are our pillars of wisdom, hold a vast amount of valuable local knowledge, and are our trusted guides when it comes to community development initiatives.
“This is one way in which we can thank and celebrate them for their meaningful contributions within our communities.”
These were the words of Alderman Ray van Rooy, Executive Mayor of Bergrivier, who highlighted the important role older people play in society and in their families.
Bergrivier Municipality, in partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), West Coast District Municipality (WCDM), Department of Social Development (DSD), Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Bergrivier Motivated Women (BMW), hosted its first official Golden Games in Piketberg on 22 June.
More than 200 seniors attended this event.
The Golden Games is aimed at providing older people with an opportunity to socialise with their peers from other towns and, at the same time, assist and encourage them to maintain a healthy lifestyle by being active and participating in sporting activities.
The older people, who came from the different towns within the Bergrivier municipal area, all represented an elderly association/service centre.
There were 10 associations for seniors present at the Golden Games and they competed against each other for top honours in the following items: Jukskei; Rugby Ball Throw; Goal Shooting; Duck Walk; Ring the Stick; 500 m Brisk Walk; 100 m Sprint; 4 x 100 m Relay and 100 m Sprint.
At the end of the day all older people who participated in the games were winners. They all received medals and the organisers congratulate them for their enthusiasm and competitive and joyous spirit.
“I would like to extend my deepest thanks to all the role-players who contributed to the success of the day and ensured that our older persons get special guest treatment,” concluded Deputy Executive Mayor Mario Wessels.
“The plan is to host this event next year again, and we hope only to go bigger.”
