Gold medal for Broadacres at Care Home Olympics

BROADACRES Care Home were crowned overall champions at the second annual Rotherham Care Home Olympics.

The home’s residents won golds in boccia, skittles and dominoes, which saw them take home the overall title for the event.

Organised by Rotherham United Community Sports Trust, the Care Home Olympics also involved two other events – the beanbag toss and a quiz.

The pentathlon of care home games saw seven residents from Broadacres split into teams of two – taking turns to compete in each event.

Ahead of the final, residents had 10 training sessions, run on a weekly basis by Abbi Walker, lead health coach for Rotherham United Community Sports Trust.

The team were then taken to Rotherham United’s New York Stadium via minibus to compete against other homes from across the town.

Competitor Geoff Foster, 79, who won at boccia, said: “It’s been a fantastic day. I’ve had a lot of fun.”

Dominoes winner Alwyn Galbraith, 77, said: “I burst into tears when I won a certificate. It’s been so lovely today. I’m quite overwhelmed.”

Others on the Broadacres team included Mary Ball, 73, Tony Hazelhurst, 83, who won at boccia and skittles, Iris Oldfield, 90, a dominoes winner, Geoff Bailey, 81, winner at boccia, and Brian Crowther, 85.

Two other residents, Jessie Senior, 90, and Dorothy Bailey, 90, also went to cheer on the team. Jessie said: “Although I didn’t participate in any of the games, it’s been great getting out and doing something different with everyone.”

Jo MacGregor, activities coordinator at Broadacres Care Home, on Naylor Street, Parkgate, said: “Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day out and had lots of fun competing, with several of the residents winning first place certificates at the closing awards presentation.

“Team Broadacres were crowned overall winners of the day and were presented with a trophy, which now has pride of place in our reception.

“A massive thank you to all of those from Rotherham United Community Sports Trust who made the day a huge success.”