City of York Council in partnership with Sporting Memories is hosting a Boccia Tournament for anyone over the age of 50 on 1 October to coincide with Older People’s Day at Energise Leisure Centre.

This tournament is a great way to get active and for people to share their Sporting Memories at the same time. We hope this will help to reignite connections between generations to combat the effects of dementia, depression and loneliness.

Sporting Memories will also be on hand throughout the day to record people’s favourite sporting memories with the aim of engaging them in social activities and helping them to recall memories of watching or playing sport. By sharing memories of sporting moments and tapping into a passion for sport, Sporting Memories helps people to connect with others and with their past, reawakening positive thoughts and feelings.

Boccia sees teams of up to three players throw leather balls, coloured red or blue, as close as they can to a white target ball, or jack. The tournament will take place on Saturday 1 October from 11am-2pm at Energise Leisure Centre. Entry is £3 per a person with £1 being donated to Sporting Memories. To register individually or as a team of three contact the council’s Yorwellbeing service on 01904 551431 or email hannah.higinson@york.gov.uk

For more information about sports and physical activities for people aged over 50 visit www.york.gov.uk/engage