Senior citizens from across the Dr. Beyers Naudé Local Municipality came together at the Botanical Gardens Sport Grounds on Tuesday, 18 August, for the 2026 Local Municipal Golden Games. The games are in preparation for the district games that will take place in Kirkwood on Tuesday, 25 August.
The event formed part of the Eastern Cape Active Ageing Programme, an initiative led by the Eastern Cape Department of Social Development which promotes health, social inclusion and wellness among senior citizens through community service centres, district competitions and the annual Golden Games.
Participants from community service centres in Willowmore, Aberdeen, Steytlerville, Nieu-Bethesda and Graaff-Reinet took part in a variety of sporting and recreational activities. The older residents embraced the opportunity to participate, socialise and enjoy an active day with fellow community members.
The programme included duck walking, 800-metre races for male and female participants in the 60–69 and 70-and-over age categories. Brisk walking, goal shooting, a dress-up competition and a ball relay were events that also took place.
Programme coordinators Samuel Bantom and Mbulelo Golozana ensured that activities on the field ran smoothly, while Gcobani Spogter directed the overall programme.
The Golden Games provided more than just sporting competition. For the participating senior citizens, the event was an opportunity to remain active, build friendships and celebrate healthy ageing in a positive community environment.
The enthusiastic participation demonstrated that age is no barrier to staying active and involved in community life.
