Inverell Bear Eaters to host Elders Olympics

Local team, the South Inverell Bear Eaters, won the right to host the event after taking home last year’s shield with over 17, 000 points. 

“It means a lot because we’re going to meet our relatives and friends who we haven’t seen for years,” elder Joyce Livermore said. 

Thirty teams from across NSW are expected to take on the challenging 10-minute games, which include netball, bean bag throwing, quoits and the footy pass – the Bear Eaters’ specialty.

Spectators are encouraged to come along and cheer on the locals, particularly during the 9am banner march. The Bear Eaters will stand out in their new green and blue shirts, representing the bush and Inverell’s sapphires.

“We want the locals to get behind the elders and come and support it,” Armajun Aboriginal Health Service program manager James Sheather said. 

Deputy mayor Anthony Michael will judge the colourful banners and officially open the Games.

The event will run from 8.30am to 3pm, and the canteen will be open.