Local athletes step up for GemLife Games

Burpengary’s Geoff and Narelle Wakely and Bribie Island’s Peter and Judy Dinka are among a 112-strong group of Moreton Bay athletes, volunteers and spectators in their 50s to 80s proving age is just a number at the third annual GemLife Games on the Sunshine Coast. 

More than 740 over-50s from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria went head-to-head in the spirited two-day competition (September 11 and 12) at GemLife Palmwoods. 

An initiative of lifestyle developer GemLife, the inter-resort event champions fitness, fun and friendship among older Australians and welcomes lifelong competitors, weekend warriors and those new to their sport. 

Eight events were contested, including lawn bowls, pickleball, ten-pin bowling, tennis, table tennis, eight-ball pool, virtual golf and swimming. 

Geoff, 76 and Narelle, 71, who have just moved to GemLife Moreton Bay, competed for the first time, both joining the mixed ten-pin bowling team. Each has an impressive average of 155 and brings decades of bowling experience but has never previously competed in an event like the GemLife Games. 

“We were probably at our competitive peak a few years ago,” laughed Geoff. “It is our way of life to be sporty and active. We enjoy our bowling and pickleball and are in a position where we’re wanting to meet new people.” 

Peter, 74 and Judy, 70, residents of GemLife Bribie Island, took part in the Games for the second time. Peter was the leader of the table tennis team, while Judy, who is Bribie’s coordinator for the Games, hit the pool for the 25-metre freestyle and also joined the resort’s cheer squad. 

“If you win, that’s great, but the focus is on participation and enjoying the event,” Judy said. “It was good fun last year, meeting people from different resorts and forming new friendships. The participation from the team leaders for each sport has been great. They’re all keen to take part, have a friendly rivalry and have been fabulous at getting their teams ready.” 

GemLife managing director and group CEO Adrian Puljich said the GemLife Games had become legendary across its communities, with competitor numbers growing every year. 

“That’s what it is all about; encouraging over 50s to stay active and healthy, try new things, set new goals and come together in a fun, supportive environment,” he said. “It’s also incredibly rewarding to see the new friendships formed, from residents opening their homes to billet athletes travelling for the competition to cheering each other from the sidelines.”