By Kath Gannaway
BADMINTON has kept Bill Cook on his feet since he was a spritely 50 year old.
Now, at 80, he reckons he still has a good 10 years at the net in him.
Bill and wife Mary are instrumental in running the Yarra Junction Badminton Club, which organises social and competition badminton at the Yarra Centre in Yarra Junction.
Bill has been a keen sportsman all his life, playing football, including a spot in the 1956 Yarra Junction premiership team, and other sports.
“Badminton keeps you fit,” he says.
“When you play among young people it helps you to feel young too,” he added.
In fact, Bill says he doesn’t see age stopping him from doing very much and is pretty positive about the getting older thing.
“I’ve nearly drowned twice and got electrocuted three times and Mary has nearly murdered me at least eight times, so I reckon it’s a miracle I’m still alive at all,” he joked, as his badminton team-mates celebrated his 80th birthday with him at their Thursday morning competition.
Bill is a great advocate for the club and the game, which he says is one of the most inclusive and accessible sports available.
“People can play at any level and you can play in a team, or just come along for a social game,” he said.
The club has been operating for 25 years and has members from all around the Shire of Yarra Ranges.
New players are welcome. A new season starts in February.
For further information phone Mary Cook on 5964 6223 or Ross Kerslake on 9735 1446.
