Jenny Joynson, who is heading to the Gold Coast to play in the Pan Pacific Masters Games, with her daughters Molly and Pamela, who are also keen softballers.
By Marc McGowan
DOVETON local Jenny Joynson will be suiting up for the Casey Softball Association at the Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold Coast in November.
Joynson has been involved in softball for more than 30 years and has competed in the Pan Pacific Masters Games once before, as well as competing at the World Masters Games in 2002 when it was held in Victoria.
“I grew up playing softball with my family,” she said.
“I’ve only been eligible for the Masters for the last two years (the event is only open to people over 35) and you get to meet people from all over the world. It is so much fun.
“I’ve made a lot of friends with it and you organise to catch up next time.”
Joynson also represented Casey at a four-day Easter competition in Redlands, Queensland, earlier this year, and the sport has become a massive part of her life.
Joynson also competes in a weekly competition, which runs from October to March, each season. She plays in the team with her two sisters, Leanne and Deborah, as well as her two daughters, Pamela, 16, and Molly, 10.
“They’ve both been playing since they were five years old and they’re catchers, just like their mum,” she said.
Leanne and Deborah will join Joynson on the Gold Coast, and it has been no mean feat getting the team up there.
“We owe a lot to the Bunnings stores around the area,” Joynson said.
“They allow us to use their barbecues to sell sausages and we get all the profits from the sales. It works for them as well, because they feed their customers.
“If it wasn’t for Bunnings a lot of the players wouldn’t be able to do it.
“We’ve got single mums or unemployed girls in the team, so we have to raise enough money that the whole team can go. We have a big fundraiser once a year.”
The team will be taking 14 players, three non-playing officials and an umpire, and the trip will cost $14,000.
“It’s just a great experience,” Joynson said. “You get to see different parts of Australia.”
She has one final piece of advice for those considering playing sport.
“Anyone, of any age, just go and play softball – it’s great,” she said.
