Melinda, 77
Smart, aggressive, kind
“ If I didn’t have sport, I wouldn’t be ME. I would not be who I am and I wouldn’t be happy.”
✨ Twinsight: It’s clear that sport has helped mold Melinda into the woman she is today, embodying traits of strength, perseverance, and passion both on and off the field. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that sport shapes character and fosters lifelong friendships. It gives back.
We are inspired at what team sport offers beyond the health aspects. As we all live longer lives, the strength of our social connections become so important for our longevity and well being. And, quite frankly, we think the fact that she is still playing competitive soccer at 77 is remarkable! We may just be inspired to join a local team ourselves. You are never too old to do what you love. Keep going Melinda!
Melinda at 77: Championing Aging with Passion and Soccer
In a world where many resign themselves to the sidelines as they age, meet Melinda who inspires with her participation in the physical game of soccer. With her determination, passion and love for the game, she's proving that age is just a number when it comes to doing what you love.
For Melinda, soccer isn't just a game; it’s been a journey of health, fitness, camaraderie, and joy. Having coached her son’s team, she made the bold decision to trade in the sidelines for the field, refusing to let age dictate her level of participation. She set her sights on playing on her first all women’s team and has not looked back.
Her competitive spirit shines through as she talks about the thrill of winning and the necessity of assertiveness on the field. Fearless and determined, she faces off against opponents of all ages, proudly declaring, “You won’t see any wimps out there.”
Soccer keeps Melinda going - from staying fit and healthy, to helping her stay in touch with others. Constantly thinking on the field keeps her on top of her game.
Beyond the goals scored and matches won, soccer has enriched Melinda’s life in countless ways. One of the most important is the social aspect of being part of the team. She can’t say enough about the friendships she has made through soccer and what that brings to her life. In particular, it’s the women. “Women are more fun”, she says. “They make time in their lives for each other”.
Yet, Melinda’s story goes beyond personal achievement. It sheds light on a broader societal issue – the tendency for sports to fade into the background after high school and university, leading many into sedentary lifestyles.
This summer, Melinda is gearing up to participate in The Good Games, Canada’s largest Festival of Sport, taking place July 5-7 at the world-class facilities at the University of Guelph. There are 16 soccer teams vying for the win and the exciting part of this is that all 16 teams are comprised of participants over 50 years old. And 10 of these teams are over 65!
We can’t wait to see them play and we may even be a little bit motivated to join a local soccer team!
Melinda’s team