There is nothing else like this in seniors living.

Homeowners in 10 of GemLife’s Over 50s resorts came together at GemLife Gold Coast last month for two action-packed days of sport, laughter and friendly rivalry at the biggest GemLife Games yet.

Teams from GemLife Gold Coast, Tweed Waters, Rainbow Beach, Woodend, Moreton Bay, Bribie Island, Palmwoods, Pacific Paradise, Maroochy Quays and Highfields competed in nine sports – tennis, table tennis, pickleball, eight-ball pool, ten-pin bowling, golf simulator, swimming, lawn bowls and, for the first time, speed chess.

“This year was very ambitious,” said GemLife Events Manager Sarka Hill. “This was the largest Games we’ve ever staged, with more teams and more sports than ever before.”

Participants and supporters proudly wore their resort colours, creating a rainbow around GemLife Gold Coast as they cheered on friends, neighbours and fellow competitors.

New viewing areas gave supporters a comfortable spot under marquees to watch pickleball streamed live from the two courts, while ten-pin bowling fans could follow every game on the big screen in the resort’s cinema.

GemLife Chief Corporate Officer Manuel Lang opened the Games and experienced the event for the first time.

“I was very impressed, not only by the logistical organisation managed by our Events team but also by the dedication and enthusiasm of our homeowners,” he said.

It is not about winning, although the events were competitive, with the main message being simply have a go.

GemLife Gold Coast homeowner Barb Dyer exemplified that attitude. Despite having only taken up lawn bowls a few months earlier, Barb earned a bronze medal after stepping in to join the GemLife Moreton Bay Baybreakers ladies’ team.

“I’d never played lawn bowls before moving to GemLife,” Barb said. “So in all, I’d only been playing for a few months when I was asked if I would like to help GemLife Moreton Bay make up the numbers for their team.”

“This is what I love so much about the GemLife Games. Everyone was generous in giving their best playing tips. I had the best time, and I would definitely love to take part next year.”

The home crowd had plenty to celebrate, with the GemLife Gold Coast Goldeez announced as the overall winning resort, giving the host team a memorable finish to their first Games competing under their own banner.

The Games wrapped up in true Olympic style with a closing ceremony featuring a live performance from the Goldeez cheer squad, along with an original song and film clip created by GemLife Highfields.

GemLife Managing Director and Group CEO Adrian Puljich closed the event by praising the community spirit and camaraderie on display throughout the two days.

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