Stroke Victims’ Gate to Activity

Every Thursday for the past three years, 10 members of the Niko-Niko Club in Gardena have gathered at a local park to play gate ball--a Japanese adaptation of croquet.

The players, whose ages range from 59 to 90, have either suffered strokes or are spouses of stroke victims. Gate ball is their escape from household routine.

“It’s good for our heart,” said Tsugie Minove, 76.

Minove, who had a stroke in 1981, said the game is a good form of exercise and helps the seniors stay energetic. “Otherwise, we just sit around,” she said. “This way, we are active and (don’t) just stay home and watch TV.”

The game, although not strenuous, is competitive. Players, divided into two teams, take 30-minute turns trying to score as many points as possible by hitting their balls through the gates while simultaneously knocking their opponents’ balls off the course.