Elderly athletes prepare for Rotherham Care Home Olympics

ELDERLY athletes are preparing for the second annual Rotherham Care Home Olympics – organised by the Rotherham United Community Sports Trust.

Residents at Broadacres Care Home, on Naylor Street, Parkgate, have been practicing their events ahead of the competition in March.

The Games include a mixture of physical and mental exercises, such as beanbag throwing, skittles and quizzes.

Abbi Walker, lead health coach for Rotherham United Community Sports Trust (RUCST), has been visiting Broadacres Care Home to prepare the residents.

They have been taking part in weekly sessions, with many residents trying new activities for the first time.

There are 10 sessions ahead of the final event, which takes place at Rotherham United’s New York Stadium.

Almost half a dozen homes sent 10 residents each to compete in the inaugural Rotherham Care Home Olympics last year.

Luke Owens, home manager at Broadacres Care Home, said: “Everyone is thoroughly enjoying the weekly sessions with Abbi and we can’t wait to take part in the final event at the New York Stadium.

“The whole project is a fantastic idea from RUCST, as it gets the residents active and gives them something to look forward to in the spring.

“We can’t thank RUCST enough for inviting us to take part.”