The event was organised by Activity Co-ordinator Lorraine Evans,
who wrote to the Prince's Trust to ask if they would like to help
the residents to keep active.
Some youngsters eagerly responded and the two groups have been
working together for several weeks before their trip to Aldersley
Stadium, where they took part in three throwing events: shotput,
javelin and discus. They used foam equipment, although several of
the students also demonstrated how to use the real things over
lunch.
92-year-old resident Grace O'Connor managed to beat several of
her neighbours in the shotput and javelin events, and said she was
proud of herself. "I'm pretty good for 92, don't you think? No one
would guess I was that old!"
Former marathon runner Christina Thomas, who is a resident at
Broadway Gardens, said she had really enjoyed the day. "I used to
do a lot, but I ran my last marathon just at the end of the last
century. I've had a few accidents now and I can't do as much, but
today's been really good." She had started off the day by briskly
walking several laps of the stadium, while other residents and
staff looked on in surprise.
Lorraine said that Broadway Gardens is planning to organise
another event in March, perhaps including some track events this
time. "We've all had a fantastic time today, and I think we've
shown that old age is no barrier to staying active!" she said.
Scheme Manager Jenny Jackson also came along on the day and said
she was thrilled to see the residents, especially those who live
with dementia, enjoying themselves. "The thing that makes me
happiest of all in this job is seeing residents who are part of the
Enriched Opportunities Programme® having a good time, and that's
definitely happening today," she said.
The event was part of ExtraCare's Olympics Challenge. As the
2012 Olympics are rapidly approaching, residents and staff at
ExtraCare's retirement villages and schemes are getting involved by
travelling 1,000 miles each before the start of next year's
Games.
The challenge, which was launched earlier this year by former
England cricketer Baroness Rachael Heyhoe-Flint, requires each of
the 30 villages and schemes to clock up their miles through
running, rowing, archery, or more inventive activities!
Pictures (clockwise from top):
92-year-old resident Grace O'Connor
Broadway Gardens volunteer Louise with resident Beryl
Broadway Gardens' Manager Jenny Jackson, Activity Co-ordinator
Lorraine Evans, resident Jean Nicholls, Social Club Support Worker
Maria Parkes and residents Christina Thomas and Barbara Roberts
See more pictures on Flickr!
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