Games fever sweeps Calvary’s aged care homes

In the spirit of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Calvary Health Care’s residential aged care homes in South Australia have gone for Gold.

Residents competed in a range of sports and activities including variations of basketball, golf, ten pin blowing, memory game, swimming, Pong game, javelin, bean bag toss, nerf shooting, air hockey and aeroplane throwing.

After six days of competition, the closing ceremony was held last Friday.

“Calvary’s residents have been practicing for months now, perfecting their skills. It’s been great to see the homes really get into the Olympic spirit,” said Calvary South Australia General Manager, Aged Care, Ryan Midgley.

Calvary Trevu resident Felicity Kennedy said the Olympics had inspired many to try something new.

“It’s been really encouraging to see so many inspirational stories come to life. Being able to get involved as well has been such a fun experience. At Trevu, we’ve been practicing the basketball hoops, golf and nerf shooting,” Ms Kennedy said.

The idea for the Calvary SA Aged Care Games came from the Calvary Resident Representative Committee, which meets regularly to discuss and share ideas about menus, events and activities.

Kingswood resident Colin Poulton, who is on the committee, said the group wanted to bring the Olympics to life so residents could come together, have fun and learn new skills.

“I suppose some will take it more to heart than others with it being a competition, but it is more about coming together. At this stage in life we’re all winners. We’ve come this far, so we’re all winners and that’s what it’s all about.”

Calvary South Australia and Northern Territory Regional CEO, Sharon Kendall, said the lead up to the games had encouraged shared experiences among residents, staff, volunteers and families.

“We have had many of our residents’ families here to see their parents, grandparents and loved ones compete. It is wonderful the Calvary SA Aged Care Games have become a community event,” Ms Kendall said.

“The competitions leading up to the finals helped our residents realise they’re capable of more than they initially believed. The games have had a positive impact on their overall wellbeing.”

Pictured: Aged Care Minister Anika Wells joined in the Olympic spirit at Calvary South Australia’s aged care homes recently.

(Source: Calvary Health Care)