Before the Magnolias take the court, they strap on their knee braces and tie bows in their hair.
On the sidelines, their coach tells them to stay calm and slow down.
The group of women, aged in their late 60s and early 70s, dominate the competition in walking netball.
The modified version of the traditional game is designed to be more accessible, minimise injuries and keep participants playing the sport they love for longer.
Running and jumping are against the rules.
“I didn’t think that I wanted to do it,” Magnolias player Lyn Zanker said.
“I thought it was for old ladies, but it so is not just for old ladies.”
Walking netball adaptation
Netball is the most popular team sport among Australian women, but it can take a big toll on the body.
Many who pivot to walking netball have grown up with the game.
“I’ve played since I was young — now I have to have a new knee, so I’m playing with braces on my knee,” Sue Mauger said with a smile.
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“The surgeon, to help me get here, has put some stuff between my bones so I can play.”
Under the rules of walking netball, players are allowed to take up to two steps with the ball and maintain possession for an extra second.
Ms Mauger said the modifications made for a more inclusive environment.
“We have two women who are deaf, we have somebody who has just gone through chemotherapy and she comes out every week,” she said.
“Another woman’s had a brain tumour … and she’s come along in leaps and bounds — she can now shoot a goal from anywhere in the ring and remember most people’s names.”
Ten walking netball teams from across the country have been competing at the Australian Masters Games in Canberra over the past week.
The Magnolias clinched gold in the over 65 category…
CONTINUE READING at source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-26/walking-netball-masters-games-active-inclusive-sport/105934176
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