What’s Happening?
Toowoomba residents are preparing to compete at the fourth annual GemLife Games on the Gold Coast. The two-day competition will be held at GemLife Gold Coast on 10 and 11 September.
Highfields couple Heather and Allan Green will swap anniversary formalities for table tennis. They will represent the Highfields High Flyers alongside teammates Judy and Wade Jensen.
The program includes swimming, tennis, table tennis, pickleball, eight-ball pool and ten-pin bowling. Lawn bowls, simulated golf and speed chess complete the competition, with speed chess included for the first time.
Why It Matters
The Games give GemLife residents a shared goal involving sport, fitness and social connection. They also allow people of different ages and abilities to represent their communities together.
For Heather and Allan, this year’s competition carries added meaning. Their 50th wedding anniversary falls on 11 September, the final day of competition. The couple said the event was equally about friendly competition, catching up with friends and claiming trophies. This will be their third appearance at the Games.
Local Impact
The Highfields High Flyers are part of a strong Toowoomba presence at this year’s event. Their practice sessions also bring residents together before the team travels to the Gold Coast.
That social connection continues away from competition, with time for games, conversations and coffee. It gives local residents another way to stay active while strengthening friendships within their community.
By the Numbers
- 71 people will form the Toowoomba contingent travelling to the GemLife Games.
- More than 800 people will attend, including over-50s athletes, spectators and volunteers.
- Heather, 73, and Allan, 75, will make their third appearance. Their 50th anniversary falls on the final day.
Zoom In
Heather said preparation was already giving the Highfields team time to connect before the event.
“Practising for the Games gives us plenty of opportunities to get together, enjoy a game or two, and a chat over coffee,” Heather said. “There’s no pressure to win but, of course, everyone is happy if you do, and is so supportive and encouraging. We always have the best time at the GemLife Games. Moving to GemLife Highfields was one of the best decisions we ever made. We’re so grateful to be part of this wonderful community.”
Zoom Out
The GemLife Games is now one of the developer’s most popular events for over-50s residents. Competitors from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria will take part this year.
GemLife Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer Adrian Puljich said friendly inter-resort rivalry had encouraged greater participation.
“We started the GemLife Games as an opportunity for sportsmanship, socialisation and connection, along with providing a health and fitness goal residents could work towards,” he said. “It’s a chance for some to get out of their comfort zone by trying something new, and for others to showcase a skill they have been honing for many years and, in some cases, decades. We are seeing high levels of participation from across our communities, as return athletes recruit new members to their teams. The Games attract residents of all ages and abilities, so it’s fantastic to see the diversity of our communities reflected in the competition, with participants from their 50s right through to their 80s.”
What To Look For Next?
Competition will begin on 10 September and finish on 11 September. The final day will also mark Heather and Allan’s 50th wedding anniversary.
Speed chess will make its first appearance, adding another option for residents with different interests and abilities. The Toowoomba contingent will compete alongside teams from three states throughout the two-day event.
