A game of “pickleball” was held at Marischal College yesterday to mark the return of a special week of activity for the over-65s in Aberdeen.
Participants were given a demonstration of the sport – a mix of tennis, table tennis and badminton – to celebrate the launch of this year’s Golden Games.
The event, taking place at more than 30 separate venues in the city next month, is a partnership between Aberdeen City Council and NHS Grampian.
Participation has already doubled from last year with more than 300 people signed up to activities as diverse as chu gung, walking football, 10-pin bowling and boccia between June 8-12.
The oldest entrant to register so far is the grand old age of 102.
Among those trying their hand at pickleball yesterday was George Yule, vice-chairman of Aberdeen FC.
A keen supporter of the Golden Games, he said: “It is heartening to see more older people than ever before signing up to take part.
“Staying active later in life is so important for health and wellbeing and the Games is the ideal way to get a taste of what’s on offer for the over-65s in this great sporting city.
“It’s more than 30 years away for me, but it is important because as you get older your mobility obviously declines.
“The activities on offer allow people to take part at any level they like and also be competitive.
“They are also a great chance for older people to get out and socialise.”
Councillor Lesley Dunbar, chairwoman of the shadow integration joint board for health and social care, said she was thrilled to see the games return for a fifth consecutive year.
She said: “The fact that well over 1,000 bookings have been made by well over 300 people so far shows just how popular the Golden Games have become.
“The games have really captured folk’s imaginations, with many people signing up for several sessions.”
At the end of the penultimate day of activities in Golden Games week, participants will meet up for a social event at Pittodrie Stadium, where one notable person will be presented with the Pearl Mitchell Trophy, in memory of one of the tournament’s founders.