Group Captain Helen Meredythe said the group had been together for about four years, with 17 members aged from 70 to 97.
“When we were starting out, I canvassed the bingo players from Lakemba and Canterbury League clubs to see if they would be interested; it’s so much more fun than just sitting at home,” she said.
“It’s really taking off and taking part in the tournament was very special, just seeing some of the teams with members in walkers and wheelchairs, having such a good time and doing so well.
“The Shuffleboard table is at a perfect height for wheelchairs and I’ve even had one member say that her arthritic fingers are much better after the weekly exercise.”
Fun to play but hard to master, Shuffleboard is similar in some ways to bowls although it is played indoors and with pucks.
Australian Shuffleboard director Steve Mortimer said the competition provided a rare opportunity for seniors to get some exercise and scratch that itch to compete as if they were young again.
Mr Mortimer, a former Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs and Berries rugby league halfback, has a passion for keeping older Australian active.
“I was thrilled the Lakemba Legends won being a former local footy player,” he said.
“It was great to see.”
Lakemba Legends meet at Lakemba Club every Tuesday, 1-3pm, with all invited.
