By TANIA PHILLIPS
NINETY-year-old Val Maloney admits to never really being interested in sport, but nine years ago that all changed when a friend took her along to Lifeball.
Lifeball is similar to netball but played at walking pace by both men and women aged 50-plus.
That was nine-years ago and since then Val has been a regular member of the Lifeball crew and made some great friends and so it was only fitting that when she reached a major milestone that her friends were on-hand to celebrate.
You see earlier this month Val, who was originally from Melbourne and followed the sun up here after the southern winters became too much, turned 90 and only the fact that she had a cold kept her off the court this week the Lifeball court the week of her birthday.
“I had a friend who played and she insisted that I come along,” Val said.
“Never in my life had I really played sport – I was a late starter,” she laughed.
“I only took up golf when I was 49.
But once she got started Val got right in the swing of things enjoying her weekly Lifeball game and only giving up golf earlier this year.
So is sport the secret to a long life?
“I wouldn’t have a clue,” she laughed.
“But I think it helps.”
Val and the Lifeball gang headed out for a birthday lunch and plenty of cake after last Friday’s regular game.
Lifeball leader Carol Dowler said members ranged from over 50 right up to Val at 90 with several members in their late ’70s and ’80s and the group currently had 30 active members.
“It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and make new friends,” Carol said.
Sessions are held every Friday, 9.30am to 11.30am at the PCYC in Florence Street, Tweed Heads.
“We had been at the Salvation Army Centre at Banora Point but have recently moved to the PCYC, “ she said.
For inquiries call Carol on (07) 5523 3660 or Nola on (07) 5524 1720.
