Athletes step up for GemLife Games

Burpengary’s Geoff and Narelle Wakely and Bribie Island’s Peter and Judy Dinka are among 112 Moreton Bay athletes, volunteers and spectators in their 50-80s who will prove age is just a number at the third annual GemLife Games in September.

More than 740 over-50s from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria will go head-to-head in the spirited two-day competition, on September 11 and 12 at GemLife Palmwoods.

An initiative of lifestyle developer GemLife, the inter-resort event champions fitness, fun and friendship among older Australians, and welcomes lifelong competitors, weekend warriors and those new to their sport.

Eight sports will be contested, including lawn bowls, pickleball, ten-pin bowling, tennis, table tennis, eight-ball pool, virtual golf and swimming.

Geoff, 76, and Narelle, 71, who have just moved to GemLife Moreton Bay, will compete in the Games for the first time as part of the mixed ten-pin bowling team.

Each has an impressive average of 155, and brings decades of bowling experience, but has never competed in an event such as the GemLife Games before.

“We were probably at our competitive peak a few years ago,” Geoff says laughing.

“It is our way of life to be sporty and active, and we’re looking forward to the social part of the Games - and the free T-shirt. We enjoy our bowling and pickleball and are in a position where we’re wanting to meet new people.”

GemLife Bribie Island residents Peter, 74, and Judy, 70, will be competing for the second time. Peter is leading the table tennis team, while Judy, who is Bribie’s co-ordinator for the Games, will take on the 25m freestyle and join the resort’s cheer squad.

“If you win, that’s great, but the focus is on participation and enjoying the event,” Judy says.

“It was good fun last year, meeting people from different resorts and forming new friendships.

“The participation from the team leaders for each sport has been great. They’re all keen to take part, have a friendly rivalry and have been fabulous at getting their teams ready.”

GemLife Managing Director and Group CEO Adrian Puljich says the GemLife Games have become legendary across its communities, with competitor numbers growing every year.

“That’s what it is all about; encouraging over 50s to stay active and healthy, try new things, set new goals, and come together in a fun, supportive environment,” he says.

“In the lead-up to the Games, all our facilities, including our lawn bowls greens, pickleball and tennis courts, and swimming pools, are buzzing with residents training for the big day.

“Some pick up a new sport for the first time just to compete. While lawn bowls remains ever popular, it’s exciting to see newer sports like pickleball among the most hotly contested.

“It’s also incredibly rewarding to see the new friendships formed — from residents opening their homes to billet athletes travelling for the competition to cheering each other from the sidelines.”