They walked, they Wii-ed, they cued up, they played their best hands, and when the week was done, hundreds of seniors across the country had realized the benefits of stepping up their game and keeping active in a fun and social atmosphere.
The first annual All Seniors Care Senior Games, held at 12 All Seniors Care living centres across Canada January 25 to 29, were an overwhelming success. The Games featured opening and closing ceremonies, five days of events, medal presentations, guest appearances by local dignitaries, and, best of all, inspiring performances from the competitors, some of whom were getting active for the first time … and loving it.
“We hosted these Games as part of our commitment to provide seniors with innovative ways to stay active,” said Lily Goodman, COO of All Seniors Care Living Centres Inc. ‘The week exceeded our expectations. We congratulate and thank everyone who took part. With the feedback we received from our participants, we will work to make next year’s Games even better.”
Each day’s competition told an inspiring tale. On Day 1, the Opening Ceremony at the Seine River residence in Winnipeg featured an actual Olympic Games torch, much to everyone’s delight. In the walking event at Chateau Symmes in Quebec, a resident completed one full lap of the course just two weeks after having knee replacement surgery, while at Residence de la Gappe, a determined walker completed the course 106 times.
On Day 2, Manitobans dominated the Wii bowling competition, sweeping the national medals. At the Summerwood Village residence in Alberta, the silver medalist had never in her 80-plus years been competitive in sport. “I’ve never been very confident playing any sports; today has really given me a new outlook on what I’m capable of,” she said.
On Day 3, card and board games, including bridge, euchre, skip-bo, Scrabble, cribbage, Uni, and canasta, were fiercely contested. Two Alberta residents topped the personal bests at bridge – and claimed the gold medal – with a score of 7430.
Wii golf tested participants’ skill on Day 4. In Quebec, CBC Television was on hand at the Résidences de la Gappe to record the event and award ceremony. CITITV’s Breakfast Television broadcast Live at Winnipeg’s Seine River Retirement Residence.
On the final day of the Games, bocce and billiards medals were up for grabs. In Brandon, Mayor Burgess awarded the medals to the deserving winners. Of the competitors, he remarked, “You are positive role models for all ages of people and I am inspired by your commitment to remain active.”
Throughout the week, participants made new friends and challenged themselves in new ways. “The varied competitions have brought together a new mix of residents, creating a greater sense of camaraderie amongst all,” observed one competitor from Cedarcroft Place, in Stratford, Ontario.
Competitors also offered words of wisdom for people of all ages. Like these from participants at Sturgeon Creek Retirement Residence in Winnipeg: “You can’t start over so keep looking ahead and make the most of every day.” or “A smile means a lot and encourages one in return.”
