170 people compete in the first North Senior Games

Carlisle, Gateshead, Westmorland and Furness, York and Preston Partnerships competed in the first North Senior Club Games. Over 170 people aged 60+ competed in sports from walking netball to pickleball and dominos to new age kurling.

The event showcased the impact that staying active throughout life has with many participants saying how good it was to try new sports.

Marie from Team Gateshead said ‘the competition was fierce but friendly and everyone had a great time’

Debra, 66 years old, from Team York said ‘I felt like a kid again going on a bus and getting the change to meet people from other clubs especially when you are getting older.’

Sport was just part of the day, the social side was clear throughout the day, with teams mixing throughout the day to chat through their experiences of the games.

Carolyn (Team Gateshead, 73) commented on that it was ‘lovely to meet different people’ with Richard from Team York agreeing ‘It has been a great day meeting new people from all over, it's surprising the number of people here, it's been so much fun!’

Team Gateshead finished 4th overall with one of the smallest teams and won the Timed Cycle, with Dave receiving the trophy! Valerie Bowen, Mayor of Penrith, was on hand to award the overall trophy to the winning team – Carlisle.  

The North Club games was part of the 20th Anniversary Games, with London’s 20th event happening on the same day. Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi, Age UK ambassador, attended the London event, commenting on the importance of activity not just to remain strong and healthy but for connection and to keep the mind active.

Better Gateshead will build on the success of the North Club Games to offer a wider variety of activities through the weekly senior social sports clubs with sessions expanding to Birtley and Dunston soon. Keep up to date through our social media and websites to find out when these sessions will start!

To find out where your nearest senior social sport session is go to https://www.better.org.uk/gateshead-2/active-communities