Lenasia South Senior Citizens, a vibrant community that has thrived for three decades, marked a significant milestone with their inaugural Sports Day event held at the Lenasia South Civic Centre. The organisation, which has been meeting every Wednesday at the Lenasia Civic Centre since its establishment 30 years ago, celebrated not only its rich history but also its commitment to fostering an atmosphere of togetherness and diversity among senior citizens.
Joy Govender, the event organiser and Ward Committee member for service delivery and infrastructure, expressed her vision of bringing the community’s elderly together in unity. She told GLOBE POST: “We achieved our goal, perhaps not on a large scale this time, but we are determined to grow and expand as the months go by. The Sports Day event is now set to become an annual tradition, and we have more exciting events under discussion for our senior citizens. These gatherings will serve a dual purpose, raising funds to support their activities while promoting their independence.”
The event witnessed the participation of several senior citizens’ groups, including the Daxina Senior Citizens Group, Lenasia South Senior Citizens Group, and Kagiso Group. In addition to enjoying various sports activities, the elderly were inspired and educated by various entities and individuals who attended the event. Representatives from Lenasia South SAPS, Pikitup, Gugu Mañana from EMS, and Puseletso Celestine Nzimande, a local councillor, shared their insights and motivated the seniors.
Joy Govender, whose commitment to community service goes beyond organising events, also runs a feeding scheme that caters to approximately 180 to 220 children every Saturday morning. She expressed her passion for serving the community, with a particular focus on elderly citizens.
The event wouldn’t have been possible without the support and contributions from various organisations and individuals. Joy Govender extended her heartfelt thanks to Spears Dine Out for providing an incredible lunch for the elderly participants. Pastor Mandla Sibonyoni from Mercy-Seat Bible Church, Shaheed Daxina Supermarket, Govenders Offals, Unlimited Recovery Center, and Deshavan all played vital roles in making the event a success.
Special recognition was given to Vasie and Neville Pillay from 3G for their assistance with trophies and other event essentials. Joy Govender expressed her gratitude to all the sponsors, ensuring that no contribution went unnoticed.
Kaliyani Naidoo, Sports Coordinator from the Provincial Department of Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, was also in attendance, showing support and appreciation for the event’s mission of fostering unity and celebrating the elderly in the Lenasia South community. The seeds of togetherness and diversity have been sown, and the future holds the promise of even greater accomplishments for Lenasia South Senior Citizens.
Visuals from the games below:
