PROVING that ‘older’ doesn’t mean slower, a team representing Limerick took part in this year’s ‘Go for Life’ national games at the Dublin City University last week.
They were one of 24 teams of older people from all around the country participating in a day of fun sporting activities.
The ‘Go for Life’ games brings together almost 300 older players to compete, get active and most importantly to have some fun. Now in its seventh year, it has grown to become one of the biggest social sports events for older people in Ireland.
‘Go for Life’ is the national physical activity programme for older people, run by the Age and Opportunity group and funded by Sport Ireland.
And the Limerick participants faced some stiff competition on the day.
Mary Harkin, Physical Activity Programme Manager for Age and Opportunity was delighted with the great atmosphere that the games generated.
“The Games are a real highlight of the ‘Go for Life’ year and there is a great buzz around the day which reflects the build-up in each county with leagues, blitzes and weekly games happening in the local sports hubs in the lead up to the national event,” she said.
The games themselves are devised specifically for older people. ‘Scidils’ is a two-sided adaptation of ten-pin bowling but using two skittles and ‘Flisk’ is adapted from boccia and horseshoe pitching.
This year saw the introduction of a new game ‘Málaí’ – an adaptation of the popular cornhole game using beanbags and a wooden box which is now being made for groups all over the country by Men’s Sheds.
All of the teams, made up from Active Retirement groups, social clubs, Men’s Sheds, sports clubs and other community groups, have been supported by their Local Sports Partnerships.
To find out more about ‘Go for Life’ in Limerick, contact Age and Opportunity on (01) 805 7738 or visit the website at ageandopportunity.ie
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