Sports-mad individuals are invited to join the inaugural ‘Northern England Better Club Games' that will take place at Penrith Leisure Centre on Wednesday 21st October.

Informally known as 'The Older Persons' Olympics', the event will celebrate sport, fitness and active ageing, bringing communities together for a day of friendly competition, teamwork and the chance to meet new people.

The full day of accessible sporting activities will include pickleball, timed cycling, badminton, new age kurling, table tennis, walking netball, short mat bowls, boccia, scrabble and dominos, promoting movement, connection and wellbeing in later life. The event will culminate in a closing ceremony where winners will be awarded trophies and medals.

More than 100 people aged 60 and over from Carlisle, Westmorland and Furness, Preston, Gateshead, Newcastle and York are expected to come together to take part in the ‘Festival of Active Ageing’.

The event is open to Better Leisure Centre members and non-members of all abilities, and we encourage more people to get involved. Participants don’t have to be particularly 'good' at a sport; they just need to be willing to join in and 'have a go'.

Danielle Vipond Shields, Better Health and Communities Manager for Westmorland and Furness, explained: "The nation’s ageing population is one of the biggest challenges facing society today, and supporting the wellbeing of local communities is an integral part of our ethos.

“Following the success of previous locally held club games, for the first time this initiative will bring competitors together from across numerous regions.

If you’re over 60, enjoy a laugh and are willing to have a go, we’d love to see you! The Better Club Games are a real celebration of active ageing. While they’re a lot of fun, we love to see participants come along with a competitive spirit. I’m sure there will be plenty of regional rivalry!”

The cost to enter is £4.50 per person, which includes coach travel to Penrith Leisure Centre, lunch, a team T-shirt and participation medals.

The event is being organised by GLL, the charitable social enterprise which runs leisure centres across England and Wales under the 'Better' brand, in partnership with City of York Council, Cumberland Council, Gateshead Council, Newcastle City Council, Preston City Council and Westmorland & Furness Council.

For more information and to register your interest, please visit www.better.org.uk/cumbria/club-games

Better leisure centres across the North of England continue to offer a range of activities and sessions aimed at helping older adults stay active, connected and engaged within their local communities.