At least seven gold medals were in the bag for Eastern Cape senior citizens on day one of the older persons’ national golden games held at Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg, North West province.

It came as no surprise that most of the medals, including silver and bronze, were won on track. Gcwaliswa Bungeni opened the flood gates when she outran her counterparts on 800m run, female category aged between 79–79 to give Eastern Cape its first medal of the day. On the same age category but male, Monwabisi Mdolomba added the second; two gold medals for the Eastern Cape, in the first game of the competition.

From there onwards it was “Eastern Cape, Eastern Cape…” from the stand as more medals were hitting the cabinet. The number of gold medals won by the province on day one equals the overall number of gold medals won by the province during last year’s competition held in Bloemfontein. Eastern Cape came third behind this year’s hosts North West and defending champions Western Cape.

With seven gold medals, four silver medals and three bronze medals on day one, Eastern Cape is set to topple the all-time champions Western Cape, who had not won any gold on day one of the games.

Passing the ball, brisk walking and pegging the washing peg are some of the sporting codes where the province won its medals. The only disappointment came from the soccer team whom they lost to the hosts by 5 to 0.

Participants on these games are males and females aged between 60-69 and 70-79. Amongst many objectives of these games are to promote active ageing and healthy lifestyle.