A group of Woodend over 50s traveled to the Sunshine Coast last week to compete in the inaugural GemLife Games.
The competition took place on Friday, September 8, with more than 160 participants from Queensland and Woodend coming together to compete across seven sporting events, ranging from pickleball to tennis and virtual golf.
GemLife Woodend resident and lawn bowls coordinator Susan Doyle, 65, said her team of eight was very excited for the trip to the Sunshine state.
“To be honest, we [were] just looking forward to having fun and meeting residents from the other resorts,” Mrs Doyle said.
“My husband Shane and I used to play indoor lawn bowls when we lived in New Zealand, and five of our Woodend team members play social bowls every Thursday.
“[We also] compete in local club competitions in town, which is great practise for the GemLife Games.”
GemLife Woodend also had teams compete in pool, table tennis, and ten-pin bowling, which Mrs Doyle said was a great way to create new friendships.
“The games [were] a great way to bring us together. It not only boosts our friendship circles but also gives us a chance to see other resorts within the broader GemLife community.
“Many of the participants, including us, [were]… hosted by GemLife Maroochy Quays homeowners and [was something] we [were] really looking forward to.
“Hopefully we can return the favour one day.”
GemLife Director and chief executive Adrian Puljich said the games were launched this year as a way of supporting its over 50s residents to live an active lifestyle and forge new friendships.
“The GemLife Games perfectly exemplify the fact age is no barrier to staying active, forging new friendships, and fostering a healthy sense of competition.”
