Care home residents and staff inspired to 'go for gold' as Rio 2016 Olympic Games begin

Residents and staff at 11 Care UK care homes across Norfolk and Suffolk recently joined together to take part in a Rio 2016 themed sports day in celebration of the Olympic Games.

The day was hosted at Mills Meadow care home in Framlington and saw 11 care homes compete against each other in games such as: the egg and spoon race, an obstacle course, welly throwing, a fancy dress race and a tug of war to win a gold medal or trophy.

Care home manager at Cleves Place in Haverhill Sharlene Van Tonder helped to organise the sports day and said: “It was a brilliant day and I’m so pleased that everyone enjoyed it. Over the past few weeks residents have been helping to organise the event and have been looking forward to meeting other residents from our Suffolk and Norfolk homes.

“The sports day has had many benefits for residents, particularly those living with dementia, as it has encouraged them to keep active, make new friendships and reminisce about sports days when they were younger.”

Residents prepared for the event by creating flags and choosing their own team names and sharing memories of their own sports days growing up.

The sports day was the first event where residents, relatives and staff have come together from all of Care UK’s 10 home’s in Suffolk, all of which have been opened over the past three years.

Participants all received medals, while trophies were awarded to the winners of each event.

The day ended with a barbecue prepared by chefs Andrew Wilcox and Terry Moughton from Mills Meadow care home, as well chef, Alan Cash from Mildenhall Lodge in Bury St Edmunds who recently came third in the National Association of Care Catering’s ‘Care Cook of the Year Competition’.

Following the day’s success, it is hoped that different Suffolk homes will take it in turns to host the sports day each year as part of a new annual tradition.

Manager at Mills Meadow, Marie Reeve said: “We were delighted to be the first home to host the annual sports day. We’re part of a strong community in Suffolk and it was fantastic to see residents and colleagues making new friendships and sharing in a day of laughter and fun together.”