Simone and Paul Traynor will compete in the World Masters Games next month.
YARRA Junction couple Paul and Simone Traynor will head off in October to compete in over-forties basketball in the 2009 World Masters Games in Sydney.
Basketball has been a passion for Simone since she started playing in her 20s, and for Paul who has been on the court since he was a boy.
The couple now play with Melbourne Myths and Legends and are involved with local basketball.
For the parents of three basketballing youngsters who have competed at Australian Masters Games, competing at a World Masters is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Overwhelmingly the aim is to participate and have fun, but that doesn’t mean Paul and Simone won’t be giving their all when they take to the courts against players from around the world.
“When you play you play to win, but after the games, it’s just great to meet up, socialise and just enjoy what is a really good atmosphere,” Paul said.
The games, which run from 10 to 18 October, will involve more than 28,000 sportsmen and women from around the world competing in 28 sports.
With the Traynor family involved in the sport seven days a week – playing, training or coaching – the Masters Games will be just one more reason to talk basketball around the breakfast – and probably lunch and dinner – table over the next month.
The Mail would like to hear from any other Yarra Ranges residents taking part in the World Masters Games with the aim of taking a “they’re off to the World Masters” photo at the end of this month. Email to kath@yvnews.com.au, or monique.ebrington@ yvnews.com.au, or phone 5957 3705.
