by Tom Witherow
Hackney has achieved its best finish ever in the Golden Games, an event for over-55s hailed as a shining example of the Olympic legacy.
The annual competition, which took place on Friday, drew over 500 spectators and competitors to the Copper Box Arena in Hackney Wick.
Hackney came sixth out of the 17 boroughs which took part.
Claire Ruocco, community support manager for Hackney, believes sport has an important role to play in bringing older people together.
“A lot of the reasons older people aren’t participating is because of social isolation.
“The activities we put on at King’s Hall Leisure Centre provide a weekly touch point with other older people. They can make new friends and at the same time keep fit and healthy.”
A medals ceremony at the end of the day was attended by Team GB athlete Victoria Ohuruogu and Edwina Brocklesbury, who at the age of 70 was the oldest GB athlete ever to finish an ‘Ironman’, a gruelling long distance triathlon.
Theresa John, a resident of Hackney for over 50 years, praised the competition and the Olympic legacy.
“We’re happy to come here and enjoy it,” she said. “When I came to Hackney in 1962 there was no gym, no sport or anything like that, just work and winter. Now you can do all sorts of different things to enjoy yourself.”
Into her eighties, she continues to play a range of sports including archery, bowls and swimming. She says she finds the opportunity to get out of the house rewarding.
“It’s very hard to play. But do leave your house, come in here and just enjoy it.”
Image: Tom Witherow
