From pickleball to chair yoga and even rock'n'roll dancing, there was something for everyone at the Wellington Senior Regional Games on Tuesday morning.
For some, it was an opportunity to try new sports and activities - one woman said she went to learn how to line dance for her 77th birthday.
But for others, it was a chance to participate in activities they already know and love.
Andrew said he only went to play bowls.
"It's in my blood," he said. "I just enjoy the sport."
And for most, it was an opportunity to connect and enjoy a day filled with fun and laughter.
With an adapted version of netball - walking netball - three women said they were able to relive their youth.
"It brings back memories," one said, having so much fun she forgot about any pain she had.
"It was so cool. I forgot about the arthritis in my knees."
This was the fifth year the Wellington Senior Regional Games had been held. It was first held in 2019 and run by the Wellington City, Hutt, Upper Hutt and Kāpiti Coast councils. Nuku Ora - formerly known as Sport Wellington - took over in 2021.
Older adult community lead Carolyn Patchell said they ran the games to prove age was no barrier.
"We want to let older adults know that they can still stay active, try sports, try dance, try all sorts of different activities."
Competitors at the Wellington Senior Regional Games in 2024. Photo: RNZ
It's the third time the Wellington Senior Regional Games had been held at Ākau Tangi, and programmes team leader William Dewhirst said it had gotten bigger and better every year.
"It started out as an event with less than 100 people, but as we've done it each year, people have seen the potential of participating."
Two new sports were introduced this year - walking basketball and walking football.
"Some of those traditional sports have modified their game to make it accessible to more people," Dewhirst said.
More than 300 kaumātua took part in the Wellington Senior Regional Games. Patchell said they had to close registrations when 250 people had signed up, but managed to accommodate another 80 people on the day.
"It was a great problem to have."
Nuku Ora will also be hosting the Wairarapa games in Masterton on 24 April.
