Residents competed head-to-head in some very unique events
WASHINGTON TWP. -- As the nation cheers on favorite athletes in the 2016 Olympics in Rio, the residents of Cardinal Village were busy participating in their own version of the Olympic games. Residents were divided by Assisted Living vs. Independent Living, to go head to head competing in unique events on Aug. 9 in the first ever Cardinal Village 2016 Senior Olympics.
The opening ceremonies began in the courtyard with an introduction by Susan Wiest, executive director, followed by the National Anthem. The torch was passed from Jason Antonio, the torch runner representing the Philippines, and passed to Fred Luhman, independent living resident council president, who lit the torch as crepe paper flames exploded into the air and the residents cheered!
The games began and had a total of 17 events, with both residents and the staff participating, making up a total of approximately 37 participants. Some of the events included javelin throw, big pong, finger stick, long jump, relay wheelchair races, paper dragon and hungry hungry hippos. It ended with a tie, as both sides were sitting pretty with 37 medals each.
The tiebreaker threw the win to assisted living residents, who were rewarded with a pizza party. In addition to all of the fun and games, Bayada at Inspira Home Health Care & Therapy Choice joined in, to ensure the health and well-being of the residents, by providing "game assessments" to evaluate the need for both occupational and physical therapy.
"It was very well attended and went on for several hours; the residents all had such a great time and were so enthusiastic about participating in a variety of events," said Karen Dixon, marketing director. "We strive to keep our residents physically and socially active at our community through a variety of activities and this was just one more way to give our residents some more exercise and help them feel connected to current events as the Rio Olympics continue."
"My favorite part of the Olympics at Cardinal Village was cheering on fellow residents and just being a part of a fun-filled day," said Barbara Earle, resident. "I love watching the Rio Olympics - diving, gymnastics, and beach volleyball most of all, because Kerri Walsh Jennings is my favorite athlete to watch. I also enjoy watching diving and golfing because my daughter was a diver and my son was a golfer."
Dixon commented that the Cardinal Village Olympics was a great way to get residents up and moving and teach them about the importance of staying active, while having fun as they do it.
"With both the USA and Cardinal Village, I've enjoyed watching the successful participation in the Olympic games this past month. The USA is taking away a lot of medals, and the residents at Cardinal Village took away a lot of fun. Hopefully we at the Village will not have to wait four years to compete again in their Olympics!" said Fred Luhman.
Cardinal Village is an independent and assisted living community located at 455 Hurffville-Cross Keys Road, Washington Township. For more information, call Karen Dixon, marketing director, at 856-582-5292 or visit www.cardinalvillage.com.
This item submitted by Cardinal Village Retirement Community.