Marching forward after 30 years

“Once you’ve been a marcher, it stays in your blood forever,” reflects the coach of Silveraires Leisure Marching Team on 30 years of the team.

Founded three decades ago, the Silveraires Leisure Marching Team marked their 30th anniversary this year, a reflection of their passion and commitment to leisure marching.

Unlike competitive marching, which emphasises winning, leisure marching is for fitness, fun and friendship.

“The beauty is that this is a sport people can participate in until they are in their 80’s and 90’s,” Silveraires coach Gaye Cooper says.

Gaye, a veteran member with a deep-rooted history in marching that dates back to 1964, reflects on her journey, having won numerous prestigious titles in New Zealand during her marching career.

“Once you’ve been a marcher, it stays in your blood forever.”

The motto of leisure marching - fun, fitness, friendship - resonates strongly within the Silveraires. Beyond physical exercise, the mental benefits are profound.

“There are lots of steps to remember and beats to count, which is wonderful for your memory,” Gaye adds.

The team consists of 19 women aged 60 to 83 from Nelson, Stoke, and Richmond, including 10 new to marching upon joining, with several members having been involved in the group for 15-19 years.

“Friendship is a big part, when we travel away for five days, we spend five minutes marching and the rest of the time having fun watching other teams, gathering new ideas for our routines, celebrating birthdays, and dining together,” Gaye says with a smile.

“Three decades of marching for the group is a milestone.”

Looking ahead, Gaye says it’s time to march forward, expand the team and inspire active living and the enjoyment of leisure marching.

If you are interested in watching some marching, head along to Saxton Stadium on 7 September at 1pm. For more info contact Gaye on 021664070.

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