The MEC for Social Development, Ms Joyce Mashamba, urged communities to support elderly people from Limpopo when they represent the province in the National Golden Games that will take place in the Northern Cape later this month.

Mashamba and Thulamela Mayor Grace Mahosi addressed the athletes during the provincial games at the Thohoyandou Stadium last Wednesday. “Our older persons who are taking part in the various sporting activities improve their health and longevity and use the opportunity to interact with older people of all cultural groups. We call upon young people to follow in their footsteps and emulate our older people in making sure we stay healthy and drug-free," said MEC Mashamba.

Some of the sports the elderly participate in include duck walk, dress-up, goal shooting, pegging washing pegs, athletics, passing the ball, ring the stick and several other activities.

Mayor Mahosi said that she was over the moon to be given an opportunity to host the provincial games in Thohoyandou. By keeping themselves fit, the elderly will keep healthy and prevent illnesses such as high blood pressure or diabetes.