A 75-year-old granny, Elisinah Mammegwa from Makhado Municipality, was the toast of sports lovers when she won her 100m race with a huge gap during the Vhembe District Golden Games competitions that were held at Madimbo sports centre a fortnight ago.
Mammbegwa, together with other winners, has guaranteed herself a space in the provincial games that will take place in Polokwane next month. Only senior citizens who are 60 years and above are allowed to take part in these games.
Mammbegwa said there was no doubt that she would represent Vhembe well during the provincial games in Polokwane. "I'm well prepared and ready for the challenge. I did a lot of rehearsals before I came for this competition. I will bring the trophy home and make my team proud. I feel like I'm becoming younger day by day because I exercise daily."
When officially opening the games, Musina Mayor Mihloti Muhlope said she was happy that more senior citizens were involving themselves in sports. "Besides keeping yourselves fit, you lower the chances of being attacked by opportunistic diseases. Playing together promotes teamwork, unity and friendship. When you participate in these games, you forget about your worries and enjoy life with your peers."
She called upon other senior citizens to take part in sports in their respective municipalities. "Let it not be about competition. It should be about living a healthy lifestyle and keeping yourselves fit. If you keep yourself fit at all times, chances are that your life will be prolonged and you will be able to think positively and constructively."