Cornwall Hosts First Senior Club Games in Bodmin

Twenty four competitors aged sixty and over took part in Cornwall’s first ever Senior Club Games, held at Better Bodmin Leisure Centre.

The day-long event saw participants split into teams representing east, west and mid Cornwall. They competed in a round robin format across four sports: pickleball, walking cricket, walking netball and walking football.

First-Time Players Step In

For some, it was their very first time trying the activities.

Kathy Bray, from Bodmin, said:

“I used to swim here and when I got an email about these games, I thought why not give it a go. Taking part was a first for me but it’s good to try new things and I’ve had a lot of fun.”

Sport as a Lifeline

For others, sport has become an essential part of life.

Kathryn Pearn, 68, from Lanivet, who was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2012, explained:

“Keeping active is an out and out lifeline for me. You lose muscle and social confidence on chemo, so walking into the leisure centre for the first time was a massive deal for me.

The exercise gets me out of bed and is therapeutic – both physically and mentally. I can’t recommend it enough.”

Newquay’s Eddie Symonds, 76, who has been treated for bowel cancer and lives with a stoma, also highlighted the benefits:

“When I told the hospital what I was doing, they said I must keep it up because being active helps tremendously. I love coming and have made some great friends.”

Cornwall’s Turn on the National Stage

The event was organised by GLL in partnership with Cornwall FA, Cornwall Cricket, Lanivet Pandas Netball Club and Cornwall Walking Football Referees.

Nationally, GLL has been running Senior Club Games in London for almost twenty years.

Karen Edmond, GLL Community Sports Manager, said:

“The games are a popular annual fixture in London boroughs, and we’re delighted to have now held our first event in Cornwall.

The idea is to challenge our senior club members and form centre teams that can then compete against others – both locally and nationwide.

I’m really pleased with the way the day went and congratulate everyone involved for taking part. A big thank you must go to the 41 students from Callywith College who provided amazing help throughout and to The Shoe Boy, Wovina and Barnecutts, Bodmin-based businesses who supplied our trophies, t-shirts and pasties.”

And the Winners Are…

East Cornwall took the overall title at the games, with Mid Cornwall finishing second and West Cornwall in third place.

Guests at the event included international triathlete Theresa Frost, Councillor Leigh Frost, Leader of Cornwall Council, Melanie Brain, Service Director of Communities, Heath Brandwood, Service Manager Leisure, Danielle Peel, CEO Cornwall FA, and Karen Scott, Chair of Lanivet Pandas.