Cricket legend shares sporting memories with local older people’s group

The former England captain shared memories and highlights from his playing and broadcasting career with the Sporting Memories club members, who are all aged 50 and over, and also enjoyed a game of indoor cricket with the group.

A charity and social enterprise, Sporting Memories supports older people living with dementia or long-term conditions, depression or simply being isolated

Their regular sessions run nationwide, including several across Leeds, and aim to help improve participants’ mental and physical wellbeing through reflecting on their memories and taking part in some light inclusive exercise.

The group in Holt Park runs weekly in partnership with Leeds City Council’s Active Leeds service who are supporting the charity with getting sessions up and running in the city and providing volunteers to help run them.

Malcolm Hall has been working and volunteering with Sporting Memories through Active Leeds for several years.

He said: “I am regularly taken aback by the memories that are sparked by sporting events, be they cup finals, Wimbledon visits or playground games. Even attendees who profess not to have an interest in sport invariably are able to contribute and to add their own recollections.

“Every session is a fun-filled reminder of enjoyable, always heart-warming, experiences. It’s a joy to facilitate the group and to see the difference it makes to people’s mood.”

All activities are decided by the members’ sporting interests, preferences and physical abilities and include things like boccia, target games and a range of balance and strength exercises.

David Cornish, who is in his mid-80s and a regular attendee and helper at the Holt Park sessions, said: "Sporting Memories at Holt Park is enjoyed by so many, whether they be physically disabled, lonely or living with dementia.

“As a helper, I derive so much pleasure and satisfaction in watching and hearing everyone recall so many of their own and others’ memories of sporting personalities and events. Time well spent and without doubt a lot of fun." 

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “We’re very proud of the work we do together with Sporting Memories and are pleased to support them in running these sessions.

“We know that as people get older they sometimes get more lonely and groups such as this one are vital in bringing people together to have fun and reminisce.”  

Holt Park’s Sporting Memories Club meet every Monday at 10.30-12.30 at Holt Park Active Leisure Centre. Find more clubs at https://www.sportingmemories.uk/clubs/.

ENDS

Sporting Memories is facilitated by local volunteers with an interest in sport. They are actively growing their activities in Leeds across different locations and are looking to recruit more volunteers. Anyone interested can visit https://www.sportingmemories.uk/volunteer/.