Sport, stories and connection: Sporting Memories Kerikeri turns one

A concern about social isolation helped spark what has become a regular gathering for 30 to 40 members in Kerikeri.

Sporting Memories was brought to Aotearoa New Zealand with the involvement of Associate Professor Dr Richard Wright from AUT’s Centre for Active Ageing. Here in Kerikeri, Dementia Tai Tokerau Community Advisor Philippa Cooper saw an opportunity for the concept to help people who were becoming socially isolated and could feel anxious about joining an established community group.

A year on, there’s plenty of fun and friendly competition.

The club meets fortnightly for morning tea and activities that might include walking football, tai chi, quizzes or a guest speaker. On alternate weeks, members meet for a walk around Kerikeri.

And you certainly don’t need to be sporty to join in. A favourite team, a game played as a child or memories of watching sport with family can all get the conversation flowing.

“Sporting Memories creates opportunities for people to talk about the things they’ve enjoyed throughout their lives,” Dementia Tai Tokerau Chief Executive | Kaiwhakahaere Matua Trudi Bridges says.

“You see someone light up talking about a game they watched with their dad or a team they’ve followed for years. Those stories are part of who we are and sharing them with other people can bring a lot of enjoyment.”

Care partners are part of the club too, sharing the activities, conversations and laughter.

After its first year, Sporting Memories has become a place where people can turn up, join in at their own pace and enjoy being part of a local community.

If you would like to see a Sporting Memories group start up in your area, contact Trudi Bridges.

Contact Dementia Tai Tokerau for more information about the Kerikeri group.