The halls of Ron Smith Care Centre (RSCC) were alive with laughter and friendly rivalry as the annual Golden Games returned for its fourth year from August 11 to 15. With energy and team spirit, residents and staff embraced a week packed with challenges, performances and celebrations.
In the weeks leading up to the Golden Games, anticipation was palpable. Staff practised their dance routines to Meghan Trainor’s Better when I’m dancing, preparing to earn points for their wings while adding a festive flair to each afternoon’s activities. Simoné Botha, RSCC’s manager of OT and recreation, notes that the rehearsals were ‘a wonderful way for staff and residents to bond before the competition even began..
Banners were another highlight of the preparations. Residents and staff worked tirelessly to create colourful displays representing their wings, each reflecting the values of The Rand Aid Way’s HEART initiative.
Once the games began, all six wings competed in a series of fun and spirited challenges, each aiming to claim the coveted Golden Games Championship. Monday kicked off with Bocce-ball, followed by fingerboard on Tuesday. Wednesday brought a nail-biting skyscraper-building challenge using Jenga blocks, with the tallest resident tower reaching 133cm and the tallest staff tower an astonishing 145cm. The week concluded with beanbag throws at golden bottles, a crowd-pleasing event that had everyone cheering for every successful hit.
Afternoons were reserved for the highly anticipated staff dances. Dressed in colourful outfits and tutus, teams filled the stage with energy and joy. For the second year running, River Lodge 3’s second dance group defended their title as Dance Champions, scoring an impressive 68/70.
Friday’s award ceremony was a celebration of not just victories, but participation, teamwork and spirit. Residents and staff received awards for their efforts, and the event concluded with a final group dance featuring all performers – including nursing manager Leanie Bessinger. River Lodge 3 emerged as the overall Golden Games 2025 champions, ending Cedar Park’s two-year winning streak.
The week brought smiles, pride and a sense of community. One family member remarked on how impressed she was with River Lodge 3 residents and staff, while resident Vivien Michler was delighted by her award, joking that her grandchildren would be jealous. Echoing the week’s sentiment, another resident shared, “We are never too old to have fun!”
Gert Coetzee, CEO of the Rand Aid Association, thanked everyone for their enthusiasm and dedication, especially highlighting the staff’s creative banners and spirited participation. He said, “It’s the staff who make RSCC more than a place to stay – they make it a home.”
The 2025 Golden Games reminded all that success is measured not only in wins but in teamwork, encouragement, kindness and joy.
Winners:
- Golden Games Championship Award: River Lodge 3
- Dance Champions 2025: River Lodge 3, group 2
- Champion Golden Gamer Staff: Prudence Sengoeneng
- Champion Golden Gamer Resident: Helmut Gschnaidtner
Special resident awards:
- Best over-90 competitor: Beryl O’Donnell (WL)
- Most spirited/positive attitude: Vivien Michler (LS)
- Best effort made: Margaret Wright (RL2)
- Best sportsperson: Charles Power (WL)
- Champion skyscraper builders: Hans Fikkert & Carol Murphy (CP)
Special staff awards:
- Most spirited sportsperson: Jennifer Silubane (WL)
- Best team supporter: Iris Radebe (WL)
- Most passionate team member: Lerato Pebane (RL2)
- Most memorable moves: Lucy Kgafela
- Champion skyscraper builders: Precious Mlimo & Susan Esbend (WL)
- Best team leader: Maropeng Mawasha (LS)
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