Echuca Community for the Aged go for gold in mini Olympics

Lifestyle co-ordinator Melinda Mundie said even the more reserved residents were joining in and everyone was having fun.

“[The residents] are very excited to participate in the Wharparilla Lodge mini Olympics,” she said.

“We are having residents who normally wouldn’t participate turning up to the activities.

“It is a great opportunity for them to try something new and have a bit of fun and laughter, which we certainly have been having all week.”

This year’s events included basketball, shooting, big bobs, javelin, indoor bowls, shot put, tenpin bowling and bean bag toss.

While there were no formal training sessions leading up to the event, residents play big bobs and indoor bowls almost weekly and try to fit in some shooting and tenpin bowling every few weeks.

New events were introduced this year and residents were eager to try their hand at something different, including table golf, air hockey and volleyball.

Beryl Trease, one of the residents who gave the new events a go, won gold in table golf, air hockey, and big bobs.

Ms Trease said the mini Olympics was a great experience.

“It was most enjoyable, yesterday I blitzed the day, winning a medal in each of the events I competed in,” she said.

“All the events that the staff have organised have been really enjoyable and a lot of fun.”

For other residents like Marg Kirk, the mini Olympics was a chance to socialise.

Ms Kirk said she appreciated the company.

“I have enjoyed the company and the competition, it’s been really enjoyable,” she said.

Ms Kirk took home a silver medal in air hockey and a bronze medal in table golf.

The mini Olympics wrapped up on Friday with a special closing ceremony and happy hour.