Granny Basketball is more competitive than you’d think! Just ask the women over 50 who participated in the 18th annual Granny National Basketball Championships last weekend. Hosted in Decorah, Iowa, the event attracted teams from across the country. Players might come from different walks of life, but they all have one thing in common: they’re members of the Granny Basketball League.
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Founded by Barb McPherson Trammell, this organization offers senior women an incredible opportunity to stay fit, make friends, and blow off steam! Grannies play by a different set of rules to compensate for any limited mobility. According to their website, it’s “a gentle game for women of a certain age.” Regulations include a strict “no running” policy, instead encouraging players to speed walk. Jumping is also prohibited.
Barb first got the idea from her father, who had been a girl’s basketball coach. He described the old-fashioned version of the sport to her, and she realized that those rules would be perfect for older women. So, when she was looking for a unique way to raise money for a historic preservation project in Lansing, Barb decided to organize a vintage basketball tournament. Eventually, the Granny Basketball League took on a life of its own, spreading from Iowa to other states nationwide.
“It’s wonderful exercise, great camaraderie, wonderful stress reliever,” said Barb, according to NBC News. “You can’t be stressed out about anything when you’re running around chasing a ball.”
Currently, there are 42 Granny Basketball teams in the United States. National Championships have been held for the sport every year since 2008. Grannies have also been known to compete against teams outside their league for charity, including men’s and women’s teams of all ages. However, the modified rules always apply to their opponents, as well!
“I think we’re redefining what old is,” said one player.
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