An Australian men's basketball team, including 84-year-old Oscar Carlson, competed in the World Maxibasketball Championship in Switzerland in late June and early July. The tournament, which features national teams in age categories from 35-plus and upwards, promotes active aging and community for older people. The Australian over-80s team won their opening game against Brazil but lost to the United States and another Brazilian team. The article highlights the physical challenges of competitive play for older athletes, including instances of heart attacks during games.
Australia’s octogenarian basketball team know it’s never too late to don the green and gold
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️An Australian men's basketball team, including 84-year-old Oscar Carlson, competed in the World Maxibasketball Championship in Switzerland in late June and early July. The tournament, which features national teams in age categories from 35-plus and upwards, promotes active aging and community for older people. The Australian over-80s team won their opening game against Brazil but lost to the United States and another Brazilian team. The article highlights the physical challenges of competitive play for older athletes, including instances of heart attacks during games.
- 1 Early 1990s: International Maxibasketball Federation founded.
- 2 1980s: Adrian Hurley played a role in establishing the Australian Institute of Sport basketball program.
- 3 Sydney 2000 Games: Adrian Hurley was a torchbearer.
- 4 2021: Bryan Hennig inducted into the South Australian Basketball Hall of Fame.
- 5 Last year (2024): Two players had heart attacks at the Pan-Pacific Games.
- 6 Late June and early July (2025): World Maxibasketball Championship held in Switzerland.
- 7 In two years' time: Next championship to be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Promotion of active aging and community for older people
- Highlighting the importance of sport for health in older age
- Instances of health challenges during competitive play (e.g., heart attacks)
What: The Australian 80-year-plus men’s basketball team, including Oscar Carlson, participated in the World Maxibasketball Championship. They won one game against Brazil and lost to the United States and another Brazilian team. The championship, organized by the International Maxibasketball Federation, involves approximately 6,000 athletes in various age categories and promotes active aging.
When: Last month (late June and early July) for the championship; 2021 (Bryan Hennig inducted into Hall of Fame); last year (Pan-Pacific Games); early 1990s (International Maxibasketball Federation founded); 1980s (Australian Institute of Sport basketball program established); Sydney 2000 Games.
Where: Switzerland (host cities: Bellinzona, Lugano, Locarno), Australia, Brazil, United States, Melbourne, Sydney, South Australia, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Why: To compete in international maxibasketball, promote active aging, and provide community for older people through sport.
How: National teams in age categories from 35-plus and upwards compete under ordinary basketball rules with minor modifications (extended shot clock, smaller courts).