News Release
More than 500 athletes, volunteers and spectators in their 50s to 80s will line-up to prove age is no barrier to competing on the sporting field at the GemLife Games on the Sunshine Coast on September 5 and 6.
Competitor numbers have almost doubled for the games’ second year, with participants from South-East Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria to battle it out in eight sports – tennis, pickleball, table tennis, ten-pin bowling, eight-ball pool, golf simulator, lawn bowls and swimming.
While some have played for decades, others describe themselves as ‘rank amateurs’ having taken up their sport mere weeks ago, but all have one thing in common — a desire to give it a go, have fun and meet new people.
An initiative of over-50s developer GemLife, the inter-resort event will be held at its GemLife Palmwoods community on the Sunshine Coast.
GemLife Director and CEO Adrian Puljich said the popularity of the GemLife Games was evident in the explosion of participants in this year’s event.
“We had 160 over 50s competing in our inaugural games last year. This year, we have more than 280 taking part, supported by a contingent of about 200 volunteers and spectators,” he said.
“We’ve expanded the games to a two-day event, so more people can participate and have introduced a new sport — swimming.
“The spirit of the games is truly inspiring, with so many of our over 50s willing to jump in and give it a go, no matter how much experience they have – and that’s what it’s all about. Trying new things, staying active, making community connections and having a laugh.
“Some of our competitors are driving up to 20 hours to be here from our southern communities like Woodend, Victoria, and Rainbow Beach, New South Wales, with many local residents billeting them for the games, which adds to the fantastic community spirit and sense of camaraderie.”
At 81, Peter Jones, who goes by the nickname PJ, from GemLife Palmwoods is among the older competitors — and is hoping for redemption on the lawn bowls field.
“Last year I was in a knock-out competition for a place in the games and missed out by one point on a countback,” he said.
“It was good fun and we had a great day. It is nice to be in a competition where you pit yourself against the people you live with, who are your contemporaries, and hopefully have a win.”
Despite missing his spot in the games by a slim margin last year, Peter, who took up lawn bowls just five years ago, said he’s not overdoing training in the lead up to this year’s event.
“I bowl twice a week and have confidence in myself. I think you can overdo training – that’s my theory anyway. I could be wrong on the day,” he joked.
“Some people say practice makes perfect, but sometimes you can lose your good bowls.
“We’ve got some very competitive people here and a lot who have bowled for decades, but I want to show them anyone can do it and enjoy it. Age is not a barrier, unless you let it be.”
Melissa Andrejic, 55, from GemLife Palmwoods will be among the youngest participants, competing in the mixed-doubles tennis after recently returning to the game following a long break.
“Most teams have been practicing twice a week — we don’t want to be caught flat footed,” she said.
“Meeting new people is something we’re all looking forward to and what the participants from last year say they particularly enjoyed.
“It’s great we’ve been able to host, given we have all the facilities. It’s a wonderful initiative.”
For more information, visit https://www.gemlife.com.au/
