Keen contests

By Monique Ebrington
ORGANISERS hope the Keen-Agers table tennis project is a hit with the community when it’s launched in Yarra Junction on Monday 10 March.
Keen-Agers was developed as part of the Active Upper Yarra Project in conjunction with the Upper Yarra Community Building Initiative and was designed to encourage older people in the community to enjoy social sport.
Upper Yarra Community House project worker and Keen-Agers convener John Gates said the table tennis sessions were designed as a social activity and an easy workout.
“It’s a social event, so participants don’t stay home and look out the window — they’re getting involved,” Mr Gates said.
Mr Gates has been playing competitive table tennis for more than 35 years and said he had already had people showing interest in the group.
“Local interest has become very encouraging and I would anticipate some 30 or more people will be enjoying the game on a regular basis within a few months,” he said.
Currently there are more than 20 Keen-Agers clubs throughout Victoria.
Regular playing sessions are scheduled for 9am to 11am Tuesdays and Fridays at the Yarra Centre YMCA, Yarra Junction.
Everyone is welcome to attend the launch on Monday 10 March, starting at 9am, at the Yarra Centre, YMCA. For more information phone John Gates at the Upper Yarra Community House on 5967 1776.