From line dancing to swimming, zumba to wall climbing, Aberdeen’s over-65s have a busy week ahead.
The city’s 5th Golden Games, which will see 300 competitors take part in 30 different activities, got underway yesterday.
Teams from six city care homes kicked off the action at Aberdeen Sports Village yesterday, taking part in a specially-devised pentathlon.
The contest’s five activities included a football-inspired shoot and score game, weightlifting, basketball, ball fishing and curling.
Competitor Mary Mitchell, 70, of the Fairview House Care Home team, said: “I was a bit nervous and apprehensive because I’m not a sports person.
“But it is a super idea. I have never done anything like this before.”
Bill Robertson, 71, was competing with fellow Riverside Care Home residents – the Riverside Ravers – who have taken part for five years running.
He said: “This is my second time in the pentathlon. It’s good fun and it’s nice getting out of the home for the day.”
Medals and trophies are also handed out to the winning teams and competitors.
Getting ready to compete in today’s pentathlon was the festival’s oldest competitor – grand old lady of sport Kate Hendry.
The 102-year-old, who exercises three times a week playing a frisbee game with her carer at VSA’s Crosby House care home, said: “I like keeping active.
“I have never been in the Golden Games before so I’m not sure what to expect but I’m looking forward to being there.
“I’m sure I will have fun as we always have fun at Crosby.”
Participation in the games, which run until Friday, has doubled since last year.
Activities as diverse as walking football, ice-skating, croquet, table tennis, 10-pin bowling and tai chi are on offer.
The games are a partnership between Aberdeen City Council and NHS Grampian and encourage older people to stay active and boost their health.
Yesterday, Jayne Boyle, the council’s senior wellbeing coordinator Jayne Boyle said the games had gone from strength to strength.
She added: “The games are bigger this year than ever before with more events and more people taking part.
“They give people the chance to participate and to try different activities.
“We just want people to come out and have fun and enjoy themselves.”