Fun in the sun at the Sunshine Coast bowls event

Friday, 17 May 2024

On a beautiful sunny day, six teams from five Sunshine Coast villages took part in the annual inter-village bowls carnival. The outcome? An absolute party!

For a decade, the retirement villages in the Sunshine Coast, including Hibiscus Noosa Outlook, Buderim Gardens, Hibiscus Buderim Meadows, Bellflower Retirement Resort and Hibiscus Chancellor Park, have come together to participate in this annual showdown. This year, the event was hosted by Hibiscus Noosa Outlook at the local bowls club in Tewantin.

Social connections

In most sports or inter-village competitions, winning might seem like the ultimate goal but resident Beth Hoar of Bellflower Retirement Resort, made it evident how serious she was about winning, “This is an event that we have once a year, it’s bringing together all the people who live in the villages under the name Keyton. So, it is just about fun and laughter and if you play badly, who cares?”

The residents mingling and having a good time

Needless to say, the event was a huge success as residents mingled and connected with their neighbours from the other villages, discussing everything ‘under the sun’ - literally - and having a fantastic time.

Wellbeing benefits

Village manager Michele Stevens with some of the residents

Given the enthusiastic participation of all the residents, it was no surprise that bowls is quite popular among seniors. A game fit for all ages and fitness levels, it helps stimulate mental and physical wellness. “All these things for elderly people are good for their mental health. It’s just fun and having a good time meeting new people and just enjoying yourselves, simple as that! It’s only one day a year but it is something to look forward to and everyone gets a little bit excited about it,” said resident Phil McCanna from Hibiscus Noosa Outlook Resort.

The inter-village bowls tournament was a fun event centred around residents having a ‘bowl’ of a time. “It really enhances residents’ wellbeing and their sense of community, bringing life to the party. I mean, residents are the party we just allow them to have more of a party,” village manager Michele Stevens quipped.

Watch the fun residents at the Sunshine Coast had at the event in the video below:

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