Inspired by Paris 2024, Resthaven residents stage their own Olympics
Murray Bridge nursing home residents have squared off against their counterparts from Port Elliot in a battle of minds and bodies.
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The residents of a Murray Bridge nursing home have proven that a competitive fire still burns within them at a sort of octogenarian Olympics.
Resthaven Murray Bridgeâs red-clad residents defeated a blue team from Port Elliot during a day of spirited competition on Friday.
Rather than swimming or running, the events at these games included putting, bocce, beanbag-tossing and Scrabble.
But the event still had some of the pomp and ceremony of the higher-profile contest taking place over in France, including a torch and cauldron filled with fiery cellophane.
Resthavenâs kitchen staff even served a French-inspired lunch.
Among all the plastic medals distributed on the day, Elaine Hillâs neckwear stood out.
Hers was a real one: the silver medal her daughter Jo, a basketballer, won at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
âI got her to bring it up, because I knew the Olympics was on here and I thought Iâd show everybody,â she said, smile probably as wide as the day the Opals won.
Local nursing home manager Charlie Roe said it was important for people to experience the thrill of competition, no matter their age or ability.
âHaving events for residents to look forward to is really important,â she said.
âThey go âI can meet people, make friendsâŚââ
Leaving a nursing home for an excursion could be anxiety-inducing, Resthaven Port Elliot manager Louise Banner acknowledged.
But she hoped the sense of excitement theyâd felt as they finally got on the bus, and the joy they experienced in competition or catching up with old friends, had been worth it.
Resthaven residents including Joan Chester, Maureen Johnson, Pam Altmann, Lois Wegener and Lorraine Emes repesent Murray Bridge with pride at the 2024 games. Photos: Peri Strathearn.
