Team Camden Celebrates Success at the 2026 Club Games
Held on the 21st of October, the 2026 Better Club Games marked the 20th anniversary of GLL’s flagship active ageing event. Team Camden was represented by 35 participants and four supporters from Better’s senior activities programme, competing across swimming, walking sports and a variety of competitive events.
Camden achieved an impressive 12th place overall out of 23 boroughs and areas, with participants delivering outstanding performances throughout the day. Highlights included:
1st Place - Short Tennis
3rd Place - Badminton
Beyond the medals, the event showcased the dedication, resilience and community spirit of Camden’s older residents.
One of the standout moments came in the Short Tennis competition, where Jaz and Neil claimed the doubles title. For Jaz, the victory was particularly special after previously reaching finals and semi-finals in past Club Games. Her partner Neil, a British Army veteran and regular participant at Swiss Cottage, spoke about the importance of staying active and connected through sport:
"I don't know what I would do without sport and my friends who I play with three times a week."
Another inspiring participant was Gillian, who represented Camden in the table tennis competition. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease several years ago, Gillian has embraced physical activity as a way to stay active and independent. Since taking up table tennis at Swiss Cottage in 2023, she has gone on to become a World Champion at the Ping Pong Parkinson World Championships. Her determination and positive attitude embodied the spirit of the Games and demonstrated the life-changing impact that accessible sporting opportunities can have.
The wider event featured competitions in badminton, walking sports, swimming, bowls, darts and pickleball, with Camden participants supporting and cheering each other on throughout the day.
The Club Games continues to demonstrate how sport and physical activity can help older adults stay healthy, connected and engaged within their communities. As one Camden participant reflected following the Games,"That's the point of it all, inspiring an ever ageing population to stay fit and live a full life."
Team Camden’s achievements this year are a testament not only to athletic success, but also to the friendships, confidence and sense of belonging that regular activity can create.
Congratulations to everyone who represented Camden and made this year's Club Games such a memorable celebration. Well done team Camden!