A family affair: The joy of family in sport

Sport has an incredible way of bringing people together and we’ve seen how shared competition brings families closer.

At the Australian Masters Games, the joy of family in sport shines brightly. Whether it’s parents and children teaming up, or siblings competing side by side, these moments create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds.

We caught up with three families playing without limits, finding joy, motivation, and a love of competing together.

Louise Howell: Strength in connection

Louise Howell and her sisters, Nicole Mitchell and Bernie Dodd, are connected by their shared love and passion for basketball. But Louise sees her basketball journey significantly enhanced thanks to her sisters by her side on court.

Louise started playing basketball with her twin sister, Nicole, and older sister, Bernie, when they were children. All three sisters now compete in masters’ competitions together in the same team. Basketball has always been a lifelong passion for all of them.

“The feeling of working together as a team and supporting each other on and off the court has created a special bond,” Louise said.

The camaraderie built from years of playing together goes beyond winning games. For Louise, it’s about creating unforgettable moments, celebrating milestones, and having a support system through the ups and downs of competition.

A unique and unspoken depth in connection between sisters is a standout for Louise.

“Playing with my sisters creates a unique dynamic on the court. We understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and can communicate effectively without words,” she said.

The moments of triumph are made sweeter when shared with loved ones, and the feeling of unity and understanding runs deep.

“Sharing the experience of playing together strengthens our bond as sisters and creates lasting memories,” Louise added, “achieving personal milestones and team successes together makes the experience even more rewarding.”

Louise’s advice to other families considering playing sports together is simple yet powerful, “Remember to enjoy the experience, have fun, support each other’s goals, and celebrate each other’s successes.”

Kerryn Conabere: Unbreakable bond

For Kerryn Conabere, netball is more than just a sport, it’s something she has shared with family, creating memories and an unbreakable bond. Netball has connected generations of Kerryn’s family, from her earliest games as a teenager, to playing alongside her daughters and sons-in-law.

“Family and sport have been my thing since I was young,” Kerryn said.

Though she didn’t start playing netball until she was 12 years old, her athletic foundation was built with her three brothers.

“My brothers would run with me, throw the ball with me, and kick the footy with me,” she said, crediting her brothers for developing her competitive edge and resilience on the court.

Kerryn’s mother though, was her greatest supporter, driving her to countless games and meets. That family support laid the groundwork for Kerryn’s dream of one day sharing the court with her own children.

That dream came true when she had four daughters, who all grew up playing netball. Kerryn coached their teams, umpired matches, and even formed a family team when her youngest daughter turned 14 years old.

“Playing netball with my four daughters for the first time was an experience I’ll never forget,” Kerryn said.

Even playing against her daughters has created unforgettable moments for Kerryn. She recalls a thrilling netball grand final in 2010 that ended in extra time.

“Our second daughter was pregnant and playing on my team, while our youngest was on the opposing side. It was a great game, played in terrific spirit,” she said.

Kerryn’s story is a testament to the power of sport to unite families, foster resilience, and create lasting memories. With a heart full of gratitude and a “book’s worth of netball stories”, she continues to share her love of the game, always adding new chapters to her family’s netball journey.

“Netball has always kept me sane. It has brought so much joy into my life, and I’m so glad I have family that shares this passion with me.”

Laurie Bell: Family pride

For Laurie Bell, family isn’t just at the heart of his life, it is the core of his sporting achievements. Playing alongside his sons, Anthony and Nathan in softball, has been a source of immense pride, shaping his competitive spirit.

Laurie’s journey into softball began after years of playing baseball, transitioning into the sport in his 30s which enabled him to remain competitive thanks to its shorter distances.

His sons quickly followed in his footsteps, starting softball as juniors. Laurie often found himself coaching along the way, but his sons’ natural talent saw them successfully compete at representative levels from a young age.

Laurie first played on the same softball team with his sons when they reached the masters level.

“Playing softball with my sons is something truly special. I have sense of pride being on the same team as them,” Laurie said.

One memorable highlight that Laurie cherishes was hitting a home run over his eldest son, proving that despite being their senior, he has the skills to play alongside them.

Playing with his sons has strengthened their bond and deepened the family’s competitiveness. This is what encourages Laurie to continuously strive for excellence as he gets older.

“When you play with your family members, there’s always an underlining competitiveness that pushes you to always play better,” he said.

“Even though my kids are faster and better at softball than me, it pushes me to improve and compete even harder.”

Through family and sport, Laurie has found a lasting source of pride and motivation. From a role model for his sons to follow in his footsteps, to the shared experience of playing softball with them, Laurie values creating memories and a legacy of pride that will last a lifetime.

Laurie’s advice to other families? “Do it. The underlying competitiveness makes you better, and it’s a great way to share a closer bond with your family.”

Whether it’s time with family that drives you, a connection to friends or the joy of competition, the Australian Masters Games is about so much more than winning and losing. Make memories that last a lifetime in Canberra, 18 – 25 October 2025.