Dozens of eager people over 45 turned out at Gainsborough Sports Centre to mark the start of the Winter Olympics with their very own boccia and kurling competitions.

East Anglian Daily Times: ActivLives have kicked off their own winter olympics. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNActivLives have kicked off their own winter olympics. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

ActivIpswich lays on sports and activities for those aged 45 and above in the town, with the aim of getting people into regular exercise in a relaxed and social environment.

East Anglian Daily Times: ActivLives have kicked off their own winter olympics. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNActivLives have kicked off their own winter olympics. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

To mark the Winter Olympics launch, the project held competitions in boccia and new age kurling – a variation of the winter sport for non-ice surfaces.

East Anglian Daily Times: ActivLives have kicked off their own winter olympics. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNActivLives have kicked off their own winter olympics. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

More than 50 people of all abilities turned out to mark the occasion, with medals awarded at the end of the event.

East Anglian Daily Times: ActivLives have kicked off their own winter olympics. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNActivLives have kicked off their own winter olympics. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Sophie Barber from ActivIpswich said: “there is always a great atmosphere with so many people not only enjoying the activity itself, but the social element of these activities we run on a daily basis is a very important factor in the general well-being of the participants.”