Let the games begin
The week-long competition enabled Calvary residents to come together, have fun, and share new skills.
Calvary aged care residents went head-to-head in a series of sporting events last week.
In spirit of the recently concluded Paris Olympic Games, competitive events were held at seven of Calvary’s sites across South Australia.
The final day of the games – which followed six days of competition – was held at Calvary’s Flora McDonald home in Adelaide. In attendance – Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells.
“Calvary’s residents have been practicing for months now, perfecting their skills,” Calvary South Australia general manager aged care Ryan Midgley said. “It’s been great to see the homes really get into the Olympic spirit over the last two weeks.”
Residents competed in variations of a number of Olympic events including basketball, ping pong, swimming, nerf shooting, ten-pin bowling, bean bag toss, air hockey, and golf.
Felicity Kennedy – a resident at Calvary Trevu House, also in Adelaide – said the Olympics had inspired residents to try something new. “Being able to get involved has been such a fun experience,” she said. “At Trevu, we’ve been practicing the basket ball hoops, golf, and nerf shooting.”
Calvary South Australia and Northern Territory regional chief executive officer Sharon Kendall said the games had encouraged shared experiences among residents, staff, volunteers, and families.
“We have many of our residents’ families here today to see their parents, grandparents and loved ones compete. It’s wonderful to see the games have become a community event.”
Ms Kendall said the competition helped residents realise that they are capable of more than they initially believed. “The games have had a positive impact on their overall wellbeing,” she said.
At the close of the games, a ceremony was held during which the winning competitors received medals. However, Calvary Kingwood resident Colin Poulton said, at their stage in life, the residents “we’re all winners”.
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