Aboriginal Elders Olympics on track for Inverell

“It’s the first time [the games] will be held in Inverell,” Gomeroi elder and co-organiser of the event, Joyce Livermore said.

“It’s always been held on the east coast before.” 

Ms Livermore is a member of the 28-strong local sporting team, who compete under the koala totem, that won the last Elders Olympics in Newcastle in April. 

Members include men and women, aged 50 years and over, and a few younger people with disabilities. 

“The games are designed for everyone,” Ms Livermore said listing netball shooting, bean bag throwing and football passes, as being among them. “It’s a fun day.” 

Participants will come from as far as Mt Druitt, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Newcastle, Moree, Mungindi and elsewhere. 

“Hotels are already booking out,” Ms Livermore said.

“Two teams are also staying for a week to go sight-seeing.”

A busy two-day schedule has been designed with afternoon registrations and a welcome dinner planned for the first day followed the next day by the games. 

Varley Oval is being considered as the base for sporting events with the Town Hall, a venue for presentation night – but these arrangements are not yet confirmed. 

A football guernsey signed by the Australian Rugby League team, including Jonathon Thurston, will be raffled to help raise extra funds. 

Gunnedah’s aboriginal corporation has also agreed to send 20 workers to help at the event, along with a first aid officer and a health van offering check-ups. At least two teams will represent Inverell: “We would like to see some more local elders join a team,” Ms Livermore said. 

The Northern New England 17^th Annual Aboriginal Elders Olympics will be held on April 11 and 12, 2018. For more information or to enquire about joining a team, visit the South Inverell Bear Eaters Facebook page.