Calendar Girls win inaugural BallyCara Walking Netball Carnival on Gold Coast

The 10 ladies, who ranged from a new mum to a great-grandmother, took part in the BallyCara Walking Netball Carnival at the Queensland State Netball Centre in September.

They took home the winning trophy after battling it our for six games over five hours. Team member Jo Moss, 70, said she was "proud as punch" when the team took to the podium.

"For me it's my first medal in a very long, long, time. I wanted to sleep with it," said Jo, who still plays competitive netball but has also taken up walking netball due to knee problems.

"What I love about walking netball is the laughter and camaraderie - it is second to none."

Teammate Deb McGrath, 57, said the women - most of whom play with Southport Carrara Netball Club - decided to enter a team a few months ago but had no idea how they would go on the day.

"It was such a wonderful day, the atmosphere was great. To win was a bonus!"

And of course, the ladies finished off their win with their own rendition of the Neil Sedaka classic Calendar Girl. "Yes, we did put on a bit of a show," said Deb.

Walking netball program manager Rhonda Newton said the carnival tapped into a growing demand.

"We know that older Queenslanders want to stay fit and continue to play team sports in a social context, but until now there has been little to answer that need.

"They need a sport that caters to older joints and those with potential balance issues or slowing reflexes along with all the other niggles that we all face as we get older."

Launched a year ago in Queensland, walking netball has grown quickly to be played in 25 centres throughout Queensland, as far north as Townsville and down to the NSW border.

A variation of netball, the game is designed for people who want to play the game at a slower pace through modified rules.

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