A group of Moree Elders travelled to the New South Wales Northern Rivers region last week to take part in the 24th Annual Aboriginal Elders Olympics at Yamba’s Raymond Laurie Sports Centre.

Pius X Elders’ team member Kim Grose said the carnival was an incredible experience.

“This is the second time I’ve been, but a few of our team members have been going for a while,” Kim said.

“It was really good, and so well organised, and the Moree team did well – we had a really good time and a lot of fun. There were a lot of people there.”

Kim was joined by Darryl French, Gwen Newman, Dianne Dahlstrom, Delma Brennan, Violet Grose, Deanne Smith, Tom Fing and Pius X support workers Bridget Smith, Tanya Ryan and Marion Neillio.

Moree Elders had a ball at the 24th Annual Aboriginal Elders Olympics at Yamba’s Raymond Laurie Sports Centre last week.

Hosted by last year’s winners, Biirrinba Coastal Emu’s Maclean, the Elders’ Olympics is supported by Biirrinba Aboriginal Corporation and NSW Aboriginal Land Council, which entered a team for the first time.

The games brought more than 400 Elders together from communities across New South Wales for two days of friendly competition, community connection and cultural celebration.

The carnival started early Wednesday with a team parade and barbecue lunch, setting the groundwork for a celebration of laughter, encouragement and friendly competition.

Pius X team member Violet Grose said the Elders Olympics brought old friends together.

“I really enjoyed it, and got to meet up with friends and people I haven’t seen for years,” Violet said. “We had a lot of fun, and the group I was with was absolutely lovely. We all had a good time.

“There was a meet-and-greet on Wednesday, like a social day, and the Olympics on Thursday, with 38 teams and more than 400 people – it was great,” she said.

“Our group goes up nearly every year. It was a beautiful event; really, really lovely, and everything was set up excellently.”

Teams rotated through a series of popular activities and games, including netball hoops, egg-and-spoon races, hockey stick bends, football tosses and passes, ball bounces, kick ball, putt putt golf and quoits.

The Aboriginal Elders Olympics, also supported by Clarence Valley Council through its Sports Tourism Program, local member Richie Williamson, Mudyala, Ready, Quit, Solid Mob, NRMA and Clarence Property, is a powerful celebration honouring Elders while creating space for connection across communities.

West Lake Elders from the Newcastle-Lake Macquarie district were crowned champions, with an Elders presentation dinner held at Yamba Bowling Club.

West Lake Elders now have the rights to host next year’s Elders’ Olympics.

NSWALC Chair Raymond Kelly said the games are about bringing Elders together.

“The concept of the Elders’ Olympics is about bringing elders out of isolation to allow them to come together to represent their community, represent the interests of their people and express a sense of cultural revitalisation,” Mr Kelly said.

“It’s a fantastic event. We’re just happy to be with everybody. Our elders are the hearts of our community and it’s really good to have yarns with them, and learn about their communities.

“I think the thing that means the most is that community spirit, being together, learning from each other, and having those yarns,” he said.

Nationals’ Member for Clarence Richie Williamson praised the event.

“It was fantastic to see teams and Elders from communities right across New South Wales taking part, enjoying some friendly competition and celebrating culture, connection and community,” Mr Williamson said.

“Events like this highlight the strength, wisdom and spirit of our Elders and the important role they play in our communities.”