Elders Olympics: team effort and sharp shooting give Lake Macquarie gold

A huge cheer erupted at the Soldiers Point Bowling Club in Nelson Bay on Thursday night as the gold medal champions for the 2016 Elders Olympic Games were announced.

Lake Macquarie elders win gold at the 2016 Elders Olympics.

Lake Macquarie Elders win gold at the 2016 Elders Olympics. Source: NITV

The Lake Macquarie Elders were crowned the overall winner, with Worimi Elders No. 1 claiming silver and the Karuah Elders taking bronze.

Lake Macquarie elder Michael Green said that the team was elated.

"This means everything to the community and shows what us elders can do," he told NITV.

"It's special because we've only been competing at the Games for three years."
Aboriginal Elders Olympics 2016 - netball event.
The netball event at the Aboriginal Elders Olympics 2016. Source: NITV
Lake Macquarie Elders participated across each event, including relay racing, quoits and bean bag throwing among others.

But the highest praise was reserved for Aunty Brenda Simon, the sharpshooter who was on fire in the netball event, nailing hat-tricks with her three throws on seven occasions.

Aunty Brenda was emotional at the presentation of the trophies and dedicated the big win to her husband, who was unable to attend because of illness. 

"Everyone back home is going to be thrilled. It was a real team effort."
Aboriginal Elders Olympics 2016 - quoits event.
The quoits event at the Aboriginal Elders Olympics 2016. Source: NITV
More than 450 people made up 25 teams who travelled from around NSW to compete in the one-day Elders Olympic Games at Nelson Bay in beautiful Worimi country.

The one-day event is a way for Elders to gather and have their health cared for in a social sport setting, while being recognised and respected for who they are and what they represent.

The 2017 Elders Olympics will be held at Lake Macquarie.

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2 min read
Published 8 April 2016 11:03am
By Kris Flanders


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