Go for Life Games
The kind of energy and enthusiasm that the Go for Life Games inspires is proof that older people can continue or even start to live very healthy, active lives at any age – and on their own terms. Sue Guildea, Programme Manager
What are the Go for Life Games?
Go For Life Games is a national day of sport when teams from all over the country come together for one day in June to take part in a festival of physical activity and a celebration of sport.
How does it work?
The Games are run with the support of the Local Sports Partnerships (LSP’s) and the HSE. They include the National Games event (held annually on one day in June) as well as local leagues and friendlies at a local and county level with some areas running regional games events against other counties.
The Go for Life Games include sports that can be played in Singles, Pairs and Teams:
Malai
An adaption of the game of Cornhole
Scidil
An adaption of Ten-Pin Bowling and Skittles
Flisk
An adaption of Frisbee and Horseshoe Pitching
The aim of the Go for Life Games is to involve older people in recreational sport. The emphasis of the Games is on participation and fun – played in a non-competitive way – with all participants encouraged to umpire their own game.
How can I get involved?
Go for Life Games are held in partnership with Local Sports Partnerships and the Health Service Executive. To find out what’s happening in your area contact us or your local HSE or LSP contact.
National Go for Life Games Day 2025
Due to a number of factors including rising costs of venues, transport and accessibility, and feedback from the Local Sports Partnerships, we will not be hosting a National Go for Life Games day in Dublin in 2025 but instead we are offering free Go for Life Games workshops across the country. This will encourage more older adults to get involved locally and within their communities and raise awareness of the games.
We understand that this news may be disappointing for those who were looking forward to the event, and we truly appreciate your enthusiasm and support. Our aim is to lay the groundwork for a more vibrant and accessible Go for Life Games experience for everyone in the years ahead.
We will however look at running some Regional Events in areas where there are a number of groups playing the games and who want to meet with others from neighbouring counties for a bit of friendly county rivalry! In particular, we would like to reach out to those who were at the National Games last year and are interested in organising a Regional event please get in touch with us.
Thank you for your understanding and continued commitment to staying active and connected. If you are interested in organising a Go for Life Games Workshop in your area, or in a Regional event please get in touch with Nicole.evans@ageandopportunity.ie.
Contact
For information speak to our Active Programme team.
01 913 3943
active@ageandopportunity.ie
Alternatively participants can contact their local sports partnership.
Active Initiatives:
Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme
Offers financial supports to local clubs, groups and organisations, nationwide. Find out more here.
Physical Activity Leaders
An education and peer leadership initiative which trains older people how to lead sport and activity sessions in their local groups and communities. Find out more here.
People with intellectual disability Physical Activity Leaders
Enabling people with intellectual disability (ID) to become physical activity leaders. Find out more here.
Walking Football initiative
An Age & Opportunity initiative for older men that is great craic and good for general health and wellbeing. Find out more here.
European Week of Sport
Promoting sport and physical activity across Europe. Find out more here.
Go For Life Games
Teams from all over Ireland coming together to take part in a national day of sport in June every year. Find out more here.
Sport Initiatives:
Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme
Offers financial supports to local clubs, groups and organisations, nationwide. Find out more here.
Physical Activity Leaders
An education and peer leadership initiative which trains older people how to lead sport and activity sessions in their local groups and communities. Find out more here.
People with intellectual disability Physical Activity Leaders
Enabling people with intellectual disability (ID) to become physical activity leaders. Find out more here.
Walking Football initiative
An Age & Opportunity initiative for older men that is great craic and good for general health and wellbeing. Find out more here.
European Week of Sport
Promoting sport and physical activity across Europe. Find out more here.
Go For Life Games
Teams from all over Ireland coming together to take part in a national day of sport in June every year. Find out more here.
People always say that ‘you’re only as old as you feel’. Well, it turns out to be true. Science has proven that staying active keeps your body younger and your mind happier, no matter what it says on your birth cert. Being active can help your body to stay strong and supple improve balance and coordination aiding in falls prevention A healthy mind and body can help fight off colds and infections and many common illnesses. Exercise keeps you sharp and, best of all, it cheers you up and boosts your energy.
Being active just 30 minutes a day can offer you a range of benefits including:
- Better balance
- Co-ordination
- Greater range of movement
- Flexibility
- Better strength
- Stay healthier
- Be more content
- Increase energy levels
- Increased social connection
- Prevent Falls



