The 55 players aged sixty plus who took over Bodmin Leisure Centre

One of them had spent three weeks quietly learning pickleball so he wouldn’t be caught out. Another turned up without realising it was a competition at all. Both went home with a medal.

Cornwall’s second Senior Club Games brought 55 competitors aged sixty plus to Bodmin Leisure Centre, more than twice the number who took part last year.

Five mixed teams representing Kerrier, Restormel, Caradon, Carrick and North Cornwall competed across the daylong event. Each player took part in pickleball, walking netball, walking cricket and walking football matches, with many trying at least one new sport for the first time.

First timers and quiet preparation

Walking netball enthusiast Eileen Gearing, 66, from Bodmin, had brought her husband David, 70, along. Neither had been before and both were there to have fun.

“Neither of us had ever played pickleball and there are some very good players here,” said Eileen. “It’s good to try out new activities and meet new people.”

Keith Brewer, 74, from St Germans, was another newcomer. He regularly joins walking football sessions at Liskeard Leisure Centre.

“There are twelve to fourteen people I know from Liskeard who are also competing today,” said Keith. “We’re all quite competitive and I confess I’ve been learning pickleball over the last three weeks so I could come prepared.”

Anne Spetch, 72, from Bodmin, hadn’t realised she was going to be part of a competition. But having always enjoyed sport, she was soon practising her shooting for the walking netball matches.

“I play with the Lanivet Netball Club and quite a few of our group have come along,” said Anne. “A lot of us are beginners in some of the activities but there are plenty of helpers showing us what to do.”

A black belt at 54

Suzanne Bailey, 61, from Pentewan, enjoys keeping fit. Having achieved a black belt in karate at the age of 54, she has recently taken up running and often cycles and swims.

“I work full time as a plant manager at a local garden centre,” said Suzanne. “It’s a busy job and I need to keep my fitness up for that.

“Team sport is very social and so good for your mental health. I came to these senior club games last year and it’s great to see them growing in popularity and numbers.”

A former world champion on the sidelines

Neil Tunstall, 64, from Helston, is a former world champion sprint hurdler, a current British record holder and a GLL Sport Foundation (GSF) athlete.

“I work out at Helston Sport Centre and came along to cheer people on,” said Neil. “I’ve been running since I was 11 years old and am a firm believer in the benefits of keeping active as you get older.

“Age shouldn’t be a barrier but an incentive to keep going and move as much as you can.”

Who won what

All participants were awarded a medal. North Cornwall won the walking netball and walking cricket competitions, Caradon won the walking football and Carrick won the pickleball. Carrick was also declared the overall team winner.

The people behind the day

Operating under the Better brand, GLL is the charitable social enterprise that runs nine leisure centres in Cornwall on behalf of Cornwall Council.

“Huge thanks to Karen Edmond for organising such a successful event and to the students of Callywith College who helped us on the day,” said James Curry, GLL Head of Service in Cornwall.

“To have increased numbers so significantly in our second year of holding these games shows how important activity is, both physically and mentally, no matter what your age.”

More information is available on the senior activities available in Better leisure centres.