Everyone loves a story of an underdog who succeeds against the odds and ‘Team Lewisham’ – a group of spunky over-60s – is hoping to embody that determination when they take part in a prestigious sporting tournament this autumn.
The team is participating in the ‘Better Club Games’, an annual event where teams of older people from London, the Midlands, and the south-east come together at Copper Box Arena in London to compete in a variety of indoor sports such as badminton, table tennis, bowls and static cycling.
Last year, more than 700 contestants took part via more than twenty teams. Team Lewisham came fourth – jumping an astonishing fourteen places from the previous year. Can they rally the troops and make it into the top three in this year’s competition?
Claire Pitter, from Catford, in her 60s, is competing in the dominoes event and is putting together a crack team of players from Lewisham’s Hummingbird Community Centre where she works as Programme Manager. She feels confident that Team Lewisham will put up a good fight.
“Dominoes is a very competitive sport and there’s a lot more to it than you might think,” she comments. “It all depends who you’re playing with and you have to read your partner’s hand. We’ve got a lot of really good players so I think we’re going to have to have some sort of internal competition to select who’ll be going to the Club Games.
“Last year, was our first time and we did pretty well – we came second in our event. Now we know how it works, we’re going in fighting for our borough! But it’s also a fun occasion. The camaraderie is good and you get to meet people from other areas.”
Trevor Pybus, 67, a community link worker from Downham, has been taking part in the Games for a few years as part of the walking football event. He is hopeful that Team Lewisham can triumph this year but says he will enjoy himself whatever the outcome.
“It’s an excellent competition and I’ve always got hopes that we’ll do well but it’s more about participation,” he explains. “It’s great to be part of a group. Matthew Houghton (Community Sport Manager in Lewisham) plays a crucial role in encouraging team spirit.”
Matthew adds,
“Last year was such a success and it was due to the hard work and excellent performances of those who took part. Jumping from 18th to 4th place is a real testament to those who got involved. We would love to go one better this year, but need more people to come forward and represent Team Lewisham. If you’re 60 years or older and would like to represent the borough and help us reach the top three, then sign up today!”
This year, Club Games takes place on 1 October. Actress and comedienne Su Pollard of ‘Hi-de-Hi!’ fame will host, encouraging contestants throughout the day and presenting awards at the end.
Better leisure centres in Lewisham are run by charitable social enterprise GLL in partnership with the local authority.
You’ve got until 19 September to sign up! To find out more, drop in at your local Better leisure centre or visit this link – https://www.better.org.uk/healthy-communities/club-games
