Creating new sports opportunities for older Victorians

Do you want to play sport for 'fun' without the pressures of competition?

Then why not get Back in the Game?

Back in the Game is an activity option specifically designed for older players.

Back in the Game is a project led by COTA Victoria, working together with Local Government facilities, to create new opportunities for older people to be physically active.

The purpose of the project is to develop and test a model that can be adapted by other Local Government facilities.

It is suitable for people over 55 years who want to participate in a 'friendly', non-competitive environment, where the emphasis is on participation and fun.

Sessions are based on games which are familiar, but have been modified for safety. The games are played informally, with no competitions, set teams or game schedules to commit to.

Minimal equipment is required, the cost to participate is low and time is set aside for socialising.

It provides a fun, easy and safe way for past players - and new players - to enjoy participating in games with people of their own age and ability level.

Pilot programs will be conducted at Barwon Valley Activity Centre in Belmont, Geelong from March 2010 and Bundoora Netball & Sports Centre at RMIT Bundoora from 16th February 2010. Come along and see how easy it is to get Back in the Game!

Bundoora Program Poster. To download poster click here
Bundoora Program Flyer. To download flyer click here

Typically, regular weekly playing sessions are offered at times that suit older people.

The playing groups are encouraged to become self-reliant, with players coordinating their own activities.

Back in the Game - promotes the social, fun and health benefits of sport in a non-competitive environment.

Fun! … play a sport you once loved, laugh, and have a good time
Stay active … increase your energy levels, exercise safely and avoid injury
Friends … meet new playing partners – and make new friends
'Play' the game … games are social and lots of fun

male_participant netball_lady badminton-1061

For more information please contact Jan Bourke, Physical Activity Officer, COTA Victoria on 9655 2113 or physicalactivity@cotavic.org.au

COTA-PICSAR Project

COTA understands the key role physical activity plays in enabling older people to age well, and is committed to campaigning for policies and programs that encourage and enable people to be active as they age.

While we typically see older people involved gentle, so called 'age-appropriate' activities, such as lawn bowls, swimming, golf, and walking, we would like broaden views of what older people can do. Given the diverse needs and interests of older people, it is important to provide a range of sport, fitness and recreational activities.

Opportunities to participate in physical activity should not be limited by age.

The COTA-PICSAR model is designed to assist community facility operators to provide sport and recreational activities that will appeal to older people.

It is based on our evaluation of Keen-Agers (a table tennis program specifically tailored for older players), and COTA’s strength-training endorsement scheme (Living Longer Living Stronger™) for older participants. It also draws from a wide range of current evidence, literature and research around older people's participation in physical activity.

Back in the Game is funded by VicHealth.



	Back in the Game
Welcome to COTA Victoria What's New at COTA Victoria? Employment Opportunities Become a Member Renew Membership COTA News Healthy & Active Ageing - Living Longer Living Stronger - COTA Cycling - Positive Ageing Project - Quality Use of Medicines - Enhancing Practice - beyond maturity blues - OM:NI - Back in the Game COTA-PICSAR Project - Active At All Ages Awards - Active Ageing Network - Strength Training for Older People Innovation Awards Need to Know? Information Series Speakers Education Programmes/HACC Training Seniors Information Victoria Seniors Information Victoria - Online Directory Seniors Rights Victoria Seniors Issues Have Your Say Links Contact Us Human Rights Council on the Ageing (Victoria) cotavic@cotavic.org.au Copyright 2006 Council on the Ageing All rights reserved. Change Text Size	Creating new sports opportunities for older Victorians Do you want to play sport for 'fun' without the pressures of competition? Then why not get Back in the Game? Back in the Game is an activity option specifically designed for older players. Back in the Game is a project led by COTA Victoria, working together with Local Government facilities, to create new opportunities for older people to be physically active. The purpose of the project is to develop and test a model that can be adapted by other Local Government facilities. It is suitable for people over 55 years who want to participate in a 'friendly', non-competitive environment, where the emphasis is on participation and fun. Sessions are based on games which are familiar, but have been modified for safety. The games are played informally, with no competitions, set teams or game schedules to commit to. Minimal equipment is required, the cost to participate is low and time is set aside for socialising. It provides a fun, easy and safe way for past players - and new players - to enjoy participating in games with people of their own age and ability level. Pilot programs will be conducted at Barwon Valley Activity Centre in Belmont, Geelong from March 2010 and Bundoora Netball & Sports Centre at RMIT Bundoora from 16th February 2010. Come along and see how easy it is to get Back in the Game! Bundoora Program Poster. To download poster click here Bundoora Program Flyer. To download flyer click here Typically, regular weekly playing sessions are offered at times that suit older people. The playing groups are encouraged to become self-reliant, with players coordinating their own activities. Back in the Game - promotes the social, fun and health benefits of sport in a non-competitive environment. Fun! … play a sport you once loved, laugh, and have a good time Stay active … increase your energy levels, exercise safely and avoid injury Friends … meet new playing partners – and make new friends 'Play' the game … games are social and lots of fun For more information please contact Jan Bourke, Physical Activity Officer, COTA Victoria on 9655 2113 or physicalactivity@cotavic.org.au COTA-PICSAR Project COTA understands the key role physical activity plays in enabling older people to age well, and is committed to campaigning for policies and programs that encourage and enable people to be active as they age. While we typically see older people involved gentle, so called 'age-appropriate' activities, such as lawn bowls, swimming, golf, and walking, we would like broaden views of what older people can do. Given the diverse needs and interests of older people, it is important to provide a range of sport, fitness and recreational activities. Opportunities to participate in physical activity should not be limited by age. The COTA-PICSAR model is designed to assist community facility operators to provide sport and recreational activities that will appeal to older people. It is based on our evaluation of Keen-Agers (a table tennis program specifically tailored for older players), and COTA’s strength-training endorsement scheme (Living Longer Living Stronger™) for older participants. It also draws from a wide range of current evidence, literature and research around older people's participation in physical activity. Back in the Game is funded by VicHealth.