Celebrating Team Barnet at the 20th Anniversary Better Club Games

Celebrating Team Barnet at the 20th Anniversary Better Club Games

The Better Club Games returned on Wednesday 21st October 2026, celebrating 20 years of bringing older people together through sport, friendship and active ageing.

Held at the Copper Box Arena, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the Games brought together 1,187 competitors and spectators representing 23 partnerships from across London and beyond. First launched in 2006, the event celebrates the importance of helping people aged 60 and over stay active, connected and involved in their communities.

Celebrating Team Barnet

A huge well done to everyone who represented Barnet at this year's Games. Their dedication, training and enthusiasm deserve to be celebrated, and we are incredibly proud of the effort they put into representing their local community.

Taking part in the Games is about much more than competition. It provides an opportunity to challenge yourself, try new activities, build friendships and enjoy the physical and mental wellbeing benefits of staying active.

A day of sport and celebration

The Games featured 11 sports, including badminton, short tennis, table tennis, darts, short mat bowls, timed cycling, dominoes, walking football, walking netball, pickleball and timed swimming. Walking football, walking netball and pickleball competitions also took place ahead of the main event on 16 September.

The celebrations welcomed special guests, including GLL Chief Executive Peter Bundey, 20th anniversary celebrity ambassador Cheryl Baker, Dr Hussain in partnership with Age UK, and Commonwealth Games 3x3 basketball gold medallist Ashley Hamilton, who supported the opening ceremony.

Congratulations to Croydon, who took first place, followed by Waltham Forest in second and Greenwich in third.

Looking ahead to 2027

The 20th anniversary was an opportunity to celebrate the thousands of older people who have participated in the Better Club Games over the years, alongside the colleagues, volunteers and partners who make the event possible.

Thank you to all the GLL colleagues and volunteers who supported the Games, and especially to our Team Barnet participants for their hard work, commitment and team spirit.

We hope everyone enjoyed the experience and will join us again next year to continue challenging themselves, staying active and proudly representing Barnet at the 2027 Better Club Games.