The Go for Life Games is an annual event organised by Go for Life, Age & Opportunity and Sport Ireland which is supported on the ground by Local Sports Partnerships. The aim is to provide an opportunity for enjoyable and social physical activity participation for older adults. The Waterford team was one of twenty four teams from around the country that participated in three indoor target games including ‘Lobbers’ (adapted from petanque and boules), ‘Flisk’ (adapted from horseshoe pitching), and ‘Scidils’ (adapted from ten pin bowling). The team was selected following three blitzes held by Waterford Sports Partnership for older adults groups in Waterford City and County between March and May. Players spanned a range of groups including Dungarvan ARA, Dungarvan Care of the Aged, Respond Services, Waterford Stroke Support Group and individuals not attached to any groups. Representing Waterford were Helen Elliot, Mary McCarthy, Kitty McGarry, Cheryl Galvin, Aileen Griffin, Pat Roche, Catherine Chester, Margaret Mitchell, John O’Donoghue, Mary O’Donoghue, Anna O’Neill, Ann O ‘Flynn, Joe Walsh and Sally Walsh.
A special well done to Joe Walsh, Sally Walsh, Cheryl Galvin, Aileen Griffin, Pat Roche and Margaret Mitchell who won the ‘Spirit of the Games’ Award. The Games were a great opportunity to celebrate physical activity and sport participation for all ages, the Waterford team thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere, friendly competition and social element of the day. Mary O’Donoghue said ‘you are never too young to start and never too old to keep going. We had a great day, great fun and looking forward to next year.’ Sally Walsh from Respond, part of the wining team said “Brilliant time had by all. We are over the moon at winning our mugs for the spirit of the games’.
Well done to the Waterford team for representing their county with enthusiasm, sportsmanship and skill!
