Care Home Olympics takes place at Eliot Gardens

Eliot Gardens, our Extra Care Scheme service in Wigan, last week held a thrilling two-day sporting event for the people we support, dubbing it the ‘Care Home Olympics 2018’. 

The service, which supports up to 38 people with predominantly mental health problems and learning disabilities, took part in the games to celebrate Wigan’s first ‘Active Care Home Olympics’. It was joined by another local care home on the day with over 40 residents taking part.  

The people we support participated in activities such as Sit-Down Volleyball, Slipper Soccer and even competed in a Stretch & Stroll race. The residents were also treated to a Sit-Down Yoga session by a professional instructor, which also involved some Christmas carol singing!

The two mesmerizing opening and closing ceremonies stole the show, involving the people we support carrying flags and Olympic torches to the classic Chariots of Fire theme tune.

The event was held in collaboration with Wigan Council, Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles and Oomph Wellness. Other care homes across the region also participated, holding their own similar events.

Paula Dodman, Regional Manager at Community Integrated Care, commented on the event’s success saying, “It has been a fantastic two days of fun, laughter and activities which our residents have thoroughly enjoyed, keeping active is so important and this is a brilliant way to do so. Creating innovative partnerships with other organisations in the local area, such as this one, can massively benefit the people we support.”