The two-day 2011 National Golden Games took off successfully on Thursday, 20 October 2011 in Bloemfontein, Free State Province. Being held under the theme: “Celebrating Active Ageing”, the 2011 Golden Games will today in addition to several provincial politicians, be graced by Sport and Recreation Minister, Mr Fikile Mbalula.
The Games, which are in their third year, saw Western Cape closing the day leading the medal tally, having amassed 19 medals (15 Gold and four Silver). Hot on their heels was North West with an equal number of medals but less Gold, having obtained eight Gold, seven Silver, and four Bronze medals. Third in the medals count, was Gauteng with four Gold, seven Silver, and three Bronze medals (total =14).
The Games are being held at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium, and will end this afternoon with the soccer final between Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. The match will be followed by the address by Minister Mbalula, who will announce the overall winners and the host of the next edition to be held in 2012.
The National Golden Games is an annual sports event for older persons. The Games attract older persons (sixty years and older) from across South Africa, many of whom are from rural and poor communities. They participate in athletics as well as other special sports for older persons.
The Games are funded and coordinated by Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) in collaboration with the National and Provincial Departments of Sport, Health and Social Development. The first edition of the Games was held in Port Elizabeth in 2009 and the Second was held in Richards Bay in 2010. Western Cape emerged as the winner on both occasions.
Final games statement will be issued once the all the results have been consolidated.
Enquiries:
Manase Makwela
Cell: 082 782 1759
The 2011 National Golden Games being held in Bloemfontein off to a good start
