KZN senior citizens win the day at the National Golden Games.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba has showered praises on the Province’s senior citizens sports team after they were crowned champions at the 2024 National Golden Games which were held in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga Province on 20 to 22 March 2024.
Team KZN competed with other provinces, and they have now won the games seven times in succession.
The winning team was announced at the closing ceremony on Friday, 22 March 2024 by Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu
The National Golden Games for senior citizens are organized jointly by the Departments of Social Development and Sport, Arts and Culture in collaboration with nine Provincial Governments. They are part of the government’s effort to encourage active and healthy lifestyles among the elderly as well as give them a platform to socialize and discuss the challenges they face.
Mr Muntu Shabalala who won gold in the 800m run applauded how the event was organised and highlighted the importance of elderly citizens being involved in sports activities.
‘’It excites me to be part of team KZN and to meet all kinds of elderly people who live an active lifestyle like me. This encourages me to continue participating in sports activities,’’ he commented.
Team KZN won gold with a total of 620 points, followed by Gauteng in second spot with 576 points and Limpopo came third with 550 points.
MEC Mahlaba said: “We are really proud of our senior citizens who continue to be positive role models for our youth. We congratulate them for their consistent performance at these national games over the years. Our government will continue to support active ageing programmes that seek to keep senior citizens healthy – mentally and physical. We encourage other senior citizens to participate in these programmes so that they could also get opportunities to socialise with their peers.”
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