Sport
28 November, 2025
Seniors invited to walking basketball
Are you a senior looking for ways to keep active in a fun, social environment? Well, your new favourite hobby could be a stride, dribble, or shot away.
The Maryborough Sports and Leisure Centre hosts walking basketball sessions on Tuesdays from 10.30 to 11.30 am, free for people over the age of 55 to participate regardless of ability.
Thinking the words walking and basketball aren’t something that mesh? You’re not the only one. Program organiser Albert Bandy, who played basketball for around 35 years, thought the same thing when first introduced to the activity.
“I went up to Darwin to see my sister, and I caught up with a mate I used to play basketball with down here in Maryborough,” he said.
“He and his wife played walking basketball, so they invited me to go, and I thought there’s no way I’m playing walking basketball.
“I went and watched and I never stopped laughing for the whole hour. One lady was 90 and never played basketball before and she did a marvellous job, it was great.”
Ever since his chance interaction with the sport, Bandy has encour-aged fellow seniors to get involved.
While reducing sedentary behaviour with low-impact sport has clear physical benefits, Bandy said his favourite part about walking basketball is its ability to connect people.
“It’s not a high-pressure, competitive activity. Everyone gets to handle the ball and everyone gets to have a shot,” he said.
“I’ve never heard anyone say that they didn’t have fun and enjoy it. There’s a lot of laughing when you’re playing.
“The most important thing about walking basketball is when you finish, we have morning tea where you sit down in a group and talk to people you have never talked to in your life.”
The Maryborough Sports and Leisure Centre’s walking basketball program runs in conjunction with school terms, with free sessions happening on December 2, 9, and 16 before the end of the year.
“Just come along, it doesn’t matter if you turn up one week and are unavailable for the next five, just turn up whenever it suits you,” Bandy said.