Almost 200 over-60s gathered at a leisure centre in Cumbria this week for the inaugural Northern England Better Club Games — fondly known as the “Older Person Olympics”.
The event was originally launched 20 years ago, but last Tuesday’s event was the first time it took place in the North of England — bringing in teams from Penrith, York, Preston and Gateshead.
Ultimately, it was a team from Carlisle that clinched the win – but competition throughout was fierce.
Ethel Hogarty, a competitor representing Carlisle, told GB News she has always loved playing sports like netball and badminton. And just because she has aged in years, it does not mean that fact has changed.
She said: “It keeps you young, and also, you get involved with everybody else.
“At this age… you’re not quite settling down or calming down — you still want to do everything you did.
“So, I’m helping everybody who wants to start to play, to play.”
This was a sentiment shared by many of the athletes competing.
Two of those representing Gateshead also spoke to the People’s Channel after they had completed the timed cycle event.
David Bradley, who cycled a massive 24 miles during the competition, explained, no matter what your ability, you can always get involved.
He said: “They will always give you an alternative.
“If you’re level one, level two, (or) level three, they’ll always find something different.
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“That way, you can build up your strength, build up your core muscles, (and) build up your energy.”
Friend and teammate, Thomas Cockburn, added it is not just about the physical benefits, either.
He told Britain’s News Channel: “When you talk to some people, that’s actually the only time they ever get out… and sometimes it’s just once a week.
“It’s sad. We go out for meals together; it’s like a social club. It’s just good company.”
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