​​Our Why? Sport has the power to unite people of all ages. 

 

Our Who? Sporting Memories Club's (SMCs) (re)connect seniors from the same local community. They offer a safe place for males and females aged 50+ to come together, including those living with dementia, depression and/or loneliness. Reminiscence Therapy, when mixed with some intergenerational Therapeutic Recreation, can generate hope, happiness and positive health outcomes across/within multiple generations at a local, regional, national and global level. Our focus is older adults living with dementia, depression and/or feeling social, mentally and physically disconnected (lonely and/or isolated).

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Sporting Memories Kerikeri - Club #1 in Aotearoa New Zealand.

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​Our How? The foundation employs a Theory of Change model that helps local Champions to establish a sustainable age-friendly environment that becomes the home to a weekly SMC fixture. We offer a free 'Captain's Run' training session, which can be delivered in person or online. The training is free, but we require travel, venue hire and catering costs to be covered.

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​Our What, Where & When? A SMC fixtures are locally owned and operated, lasting between 90-120 minutes, including a half-time (tea) break. There is no set agenda or winning formula to follow, but membership should be free and for life. The ideal size for a single weekly fixture is 12-15, ensuring that everyone feels included and gets the opportunity to share their story.

 

Club Champions need to provide a regular time and an easily accessible arena for their club captains to bring his/her team together once a week, or once a fortnight for a Sporting Memories fixture. This could be a community/seniors hall, a sports club, a library, a marae, an RSA, a retirement village. Members require a room with enough chairs and suitable bathroom facilities for all attendees. Kitchen facilities are a bonus.

 

Clubs attracting more than 20 members may want to establish a second team or run more than one fixture per week. Clubs are required to adhere to the Sporting Memories Charter, which contains 3 non-negotiable requirements and a series of evidence-based recommendations. 

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