‘Older Person Olympics’ encourages over-60s to age actively

‘Older Person Olympics’ encourages over-60s to age actively

Almost 200 over-60s gathered at a leisure centre in Cumbria this week for the inaugural Northern England Better Club Games — fondly known as the "Older Person Olympics". The event was originally launched 20 years ago, but last Tuesday's event was the first time it took place in the North of England — bringing in teams from Penrith, York, Preston and Gateshead. Ultimately, it was a team from Carlisle that clinched the win – but competition throughout was fierce. Ethel Hogarty, a competitor representing Carlisle, told GB News she has always loved playing sports like netball and badminton. And just because she has aged in years, it does not mean that fact has changed. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say She said: “It keeps you young, and also, you get involved with everybody else. “At this age... you’re not quite settling down or calming down — you still want to do everything you did. “So, I’m helping everybody who wants to start to play, to play." This was a sentiment shared by many of the athletes competing. Two of those representing Gateshead also spoke to the People's Channel after they had completed the timed cycle event. David Bradley, who cycled a massive 24 miles during the competition, explained, no matter what your ability, you can always get involved. He said: “They will always give you an alternative. "If you’re level one, level two, (or) level three, they’ll always find something different. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS Tents handed to early release prisoners despite Andy Burnham’s vow to end rough sleeping Andy Burnham backs bid for Olympics in North of England as PM promises 'greatest show on earth!' GB News National Reporter Jack Carson battles strong winds as second named storm in 48 hours hits UK “That way, you can build up your strength, build up your core muscles, (and) build up your energy.” Friend and teammate, Thomas Cockburn, added it is not just about the physical benefits, either. He told Britain's News Channel: “When you talk to som