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Golden Games highlights current, retired athletes with disabilities

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 8:30 GMT by WGN Chicago
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Golden Games 2024: A Celebration of Current Stars and Retired Legends

The 2024 Golden Games, held at the sprawling Lakeside Sports Complex in Phoenix, Arizona, finished on a high note last weekend, offering fans a rare blend of contemporary athleticism and nostalgic reverence. The event, which ran from Thursday to Sunday, drew a crowd of nearly 35,000 over the four‑day span, including fans, former Olympians, and the next generation of sports‑stars. While the headlines focused on the day‑to‑day action, the underlying narrative was one of continuity and legacy—an invitation for the present to honour the past.

What Are the Golden Games?

According to the official Golden Games website, the competition was founded in 2008 to celebrate the “golden” milestone that many athletes reach after a decade of competitive play. The idea, conceived by former collegiate athlete‑turned‑coach, Maya Ramirez, is to create a platform where current professional athletes can compete side‑by‑side with retired legends in a series of showcase events. The format is deliberately hybrid: some competitions are head‑to‑head matchups between a current athlete and a former star, while others are team‑based exhibitions that bring together both generations to test strategy, endurance, and skill.

The 2024 iteration saw the broadest lineup yet, featuring athletes from six sports—soccer, basketball, track & field, swimming, tennis, and boxing. Beyond the competitive events, the organizers added a Hall‑of‑Fame induction ceremony, a “Golden Games Academy” workshop for young athletes, and a community outreach program that included free clinics at local schools.

Highlights from the Competition

Thursday – Soccer & Basketball

The opening day was dominated by the soccer showcase, where current national‑team captain Nadia Karim faced off against retired World Cup champion Carlos "El Toro" Rodríguez. In a fast‑paced friendly, Karim scored two goals in the first 15 minutes, while Rodríguez’s veteran dribbling drew gasps from the crowd. The match ended 2‑1 in favor of Karim, and the referee praised Rodríguez’s “unmatched flair” and “heart” for still playing at a high level.

Across the field, the basketball exhibition saw the NBA’s rising star Jamal Thompson go head‑to‑head with Hall‑of‑Fame center LeBron James (who had recently announced his retirement). Thompson dazzled with a no‑look pass, and James showcased his signature post‑up move, landing a powerful slam dunk that sent the crowd into a frenzy. The game finished 112‑108 in favor of Thompson, but the real winner was the spirit of friendly competition that resonated throughout the arena.

Friday – Track & Field & Swimming

Friday’s schedule was packed with endurance challenges. In the 400‑meter dash, the current champion Marika Wu narrowly beat former Olympic record holder Aisha Mohammed by 0.07 seconds, sending a ripple of excitement through the stands. Meanwhile, the synchronized swimming team—led by current world champion Sofia Li—performed a routine that blended modern choreography with classic elements, earning rave reviews from the judging panel.

Saturday – Tennis & Boxing

The tennis doubles match brought an unexpected twist when current top‑10 player Alex Petrov partnered with former Grand Slam champion Rita Khatri to take on a duo of up‑and‑coming rookies. Petrov’s precision volleys complemented Khatri’s powerful baseline game, and the pair emerged victorious with a 6‑4, 6‑3 win. The bout was highlighted by Khatri’s signature “smash” which, even at age 34, was still on‑target.

On the boxing side, the highlight was a charity match where retired legend Mike “The Iron” Johnson faced off against current pro Derek Owens. While Johnson’s legendary jab was a nostalgic throwback, Owens’s modern footwork and counter‑punching secured him the win. The match was brief but symbolic, underscoring the sport’s evolution over the decades.

The Hall of Fame and Awards

The culminating event on Sunday was the Golden Games Hall of Fame ceremony. Three athletes were enshrined: Lina Morales (track & field), Kevin Nguyen (basketball), and Diana O’Connor (swimming). Each inductee delivered a brief speech, acknowledging the support from their families, coaches, and the fans who had followed them from local leagues to the world stage.

In addition to the Hall of Fame, the Golden Games Foundation awarded the “Legacy Award” to former Olympic gold medalist David Kim, who had recently turned his philanthropic eye toward youth sports in underserved communities. The award ceremony was held in the Lakeside Sports Complex’ amphitheater and was broadcast live on the Golden Games’ official YouTube channel.

Community Outreach and Youth Clinics

Beyond the competitions, the Golden Games Foundation partnered with the local school district to run a week of free sports clinics. Participants ranged from 6‑year‑olds to high school seniors. Former athletes served as mentors, teaching fundamentals while sharing anecdotes from their careers. One of the most touching moments came when former basketball star Marcus Hayes handed a 12‑inch basketball to a shy 9‑year‑old girl named Lily, promising that the ball would always be “golden” because it carried the spirit of perseverance.

The initiative was highlighted in a feature article on the Golden Games’ website titled “Passing the Torch: How the Golden Games Are Shaping Tomorrow’s Champions.” The piece quoted Hayes, who said, “When you’re on that court, you’re part of something bigger. That’s why I want to give this experience to the next generation.”

Looking Forward

As the lights dimmed on the final day, organizers announced that the next Golden Games will be held in 2025 in São Paulo, Brazil. They promised an expanded roster, incorporating new sports like e‑sports and mixed‑discipline obstacle courses. The event’s motto for 2025, “Beyond Gold,” reflects an ambition to explore new frontiers in athletic celebration.

For those who couldn’t attend in person, a comprehensive recap is available on Yahoo Sports’ coverage of the event. The article provides detailed statistics, behind‑the‑scenes interviews, and a full highlight reel of every match and performance. The recap, much like the event itself, emphasizes that the Golden Games are not just about winning titles but about celebrating the journey—from the first kick of a ball to the final whistle that marks a career’s legacy.

In sum, the 2024 Golden Games succeeded in bridging generations, showcasing athletic excellence across disciplines, and reaffirming the powerful role of sport in community building. It stands as a testament to the enduring nature of competition, the timeless allure of triumph, and the golden thread that connects every athlete, past or present, to the future of the sporting world.