Participation, Not Perfection: Returning to Sport Later in Life

Last month I played in a short local social cricket competition.

To be honest, my body was far from ready.

I could not run like I used to. My bending was slow and cautious. My reflexes were not what they once were. My eyesight was challenged. And the day after each game I definitely felt it. My muscles were stiff and sore and reminded me very clearly that I had not played sport like this for a long time.

But despite all of that, I am really glad I did it.

The experience reminded me that many of the barriers we face are not always physical. Often they are psychological.

Over time I had quietly started to believe that I would not be able to play a team sport again. Life changes, bodies change, priorities shift and before we realise it we have placed certain activities into the category of “things I used to do”.

Yet there I was, standing on a smaller outdoor cricket field again.

I loved meeting new people. I loved being part of a team. And perhaps most importantly, I loved proving to myself that even if I cannot do something the way I once did, it does not mean I cannot do it at all.

Sometimes we avoid trying things because we know we will not perform at the same level we once did. That can feel uncomfortable. But participation does not have to mean perfection. It can simply mean showing up.

This experience has also given me a new goal. The women’s social cricket competition runs again next year, which gives me about a year to prepare my body a little better. With some gradual training and conditioning, I can participate better next time.

In the meantime, I have decided to try something new: pickleball.

If you live in Bundaberg and have been curious about it too, there are beginner sessions on Friday nights at the West Bundaberg tennis courts. It seems like a fun and gentle way to get moving, learn something new and meet people.

And that is really the point.

Movement is not only about fitness. It is also about connection, enjoyment and reminding ourselves that we are still capable of more than we sometimes think.

So I have a question for you.

If you could try any sport again, whether it is something you played 20, 30 or even 40 years ago, or something completely new, what would you choose?

And if you are in Bundaberg, who wants to join me?