The end of August brought warmer spring weather and the return of the Golden Games to Ron Smith Care Centre, with this year’s competition taking place from August 14 to 21.
The opening ceremony on August 14 set the tone for the week, with each of the six wings performing a team chant. They were all hoping to take the trophy from 2025 winners, River Lodge 3.
Throughout the week, the wings competed in a variety of games, earning points towards the overall title.
The competitions kicked off with the newspaper footrace on Monday, followed by bean-bag knockdown on Tuesday and the skyscraper-building challenge on Wednesday. “The creativity and teamwork on display were impressive. The residents’ winning tower reached 114cm, while the tallest tower built by the staff teams reached 152cm,” says Simoné Botha, the care centre’s occupational therapy and recreation manager.
The highlight was the wheelchair egg-and-spoon race, with residents and staff competing side by side and carefully balancing their eggs to the finish. The event drew plenty of laughter.
Each competition ended with a staff relay, with teams of four wheeling themselves along while keeping an egg balanced on a spoon. Six additional teams joined in, representing the Recreation Team, Admin Office, Reef Kitchen, Sisters and Head Office.
“As always, each day ended with a highly anticipated dance competition, with every wing competing for additional points. The teams brought incredible creativity to the dance floor as they performed to Shakira’s Try Everything. After two years of holding onto the title, River Lodge 3 was finally dethroned, with Woodlands taking the win by just one point!” says Simoné.
“Friday’s award ceremony was a celebration not only of the awards won, but of the spirit that had filled the week. Everyone gave their all while supporting and encouraging not only their own team members, but those from opposing teams as well.
“The week was a celebration of life, connection and the importance of enjoying every moment – perfectly captured by the words of the week’s song: Try Everything. River Lodge 2 delivered the comeback of the year! After finishing in sixth place in 2025, they claimed the title of Golden Games Champions 2026!”
The prizegiving was particularly special for Ayanda Matthews, who attended the Golden Games for the last time before her retirement. Reflecting on the atmosphere in the room, she said she wished she could ‘package the love she feels in the room to be able to share it with others’.
In true Golden Games spirit, she then joined the final dance on stage, learning the moves as she went.
Resident awards:
- Best Team Supporter: Denis Hutchinson (CP)
- Best Sportsperson: Brenda Ortlepp (CP)
- Most Spirited: Hilary Stern (LS)
- Best effort made: Ada Zidel (RL3)
- Champion Skyscraper builders: Margot Cohen & Vivien Michler
Staff awards:
- Best Sportsperson: Pascaline Kamela (LS)
- Best Team supporters: Carol-Ann Mckenzie & Thily Madiba (RL1)
- Best Dancing Spirit: China Matsane (WL)
- Best Team Leader: Esmeralda Rusike (RL3)
- Champion Skyscraper Builders: Eunice Mkhosi & Precious Monwanati
- Crazy Crew Award: Germinah, Ivonne, Tshepo & Mamsy (RL2)
Relay race winners:
Wing competition: River Lodge 1: Catherine, Barbara, Rosemary & Patricia
Fun Outside staff competition: Recreation Team
Champion Golden Gamers:
Residents: Louis Kruger (RL2)
Staff: Amanda Ndlovu (WL)
Dance champions:
Woodlands group 1
Golden Games Champions 2026:
River Lodge 2
