Sports sessions see young and elderly work together

PRIMARY school pupils and elderly care home residents have been taking part in joint sports sessions.

The year two children at Brockwell Infant School have been visiting residents at Springbank House Care Home, both in Chesterfield, for the activities.

Run by Samba Sports Coaching, the Samba Smile sessions include physical activities such as skittles, boccia and dancing.

They also incorporate social games, to encourage the two generations to communicate, such as writing down favourite hobbies.

Each pupil is paired with a resident for the sessions, and they must work together to complete each activity.

Jordan Lemon, Derbyshire area manager for Samba Sports Coaching, said: “Our Samba Smile sessions aim to encourage mobility by stimulating muscles, enhance cognition by challenging the mind and develop social interaction with children.”

Jordan has been running Samba Smile sessions across the region since August, with the project helping Samba Sports Coaching achieve Foundation status.

He added: “We’ve been accepted as the Samba Community Foundation, so hopefully we will receive funding to continue these sessions for the foreseeable future.”

Karen Busby, home manager at Springbank House Care Home, said: “When Jordan got in touch offering to run joint sports sessions with a local school we jumped at the opportunity.

“The residents always love welcoming children into the home, as they bring so much energy and joy.

“These structured sessions are a great way to get the two generations working together and we always look forward to the next.”