Care homes compete in annual games competition
Fri 25th October 2019
The annual Care Home Games grand final was held recently at East Riding Leisure Beverley, where older residents from the East Riding battled it out for the top prize.
The event was organised by East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Sport, Play and Arts Service and enabled a total of 16 teams from care homes across the East Riding to compete in the grand final of the competition which saw players - ranging in age from their late 40s to 97 - put their Boccia soft bowls skills to the test.
Boccia soft bowls is a form of indoor bowls which can be played by people of all abilities, and is included in the Paralympics.
Councillor Vanessa Walker, portfolio holder for adult and carer services, said: “The Care Home Games is a brilliant way for everyone to get involved, regardless of their physical abilities and age.
“As well as helping with exercise, this is a great way to socialise in a friendly and fun environment.
“I thoroughly enjoyed attending the games and I would like to thank everyone who took part in and helped organise the event. I look forward to welcoming the teams next year.”
To secure their place in the grand final, seven regional finals were held in the East Riding with teams from Haltemprice (x2), Beverley, Driffield, Goole, Bridlington and Withernsea going through.
The annual Care Home Games grand final was held recently at East Riding Leisure Beverley, where older residents from the East Riding battled it out for the top prize.
The event was organised by East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Sport, Play and Arts Service and enabled a total of 16 teams from care homes across the East Riding to compete in the grand final of the competition which saw players - ranging in age from their late 40s to 97 - put their Boccia soft bowls skills to the test.
Boccia soft bowls is a form of indoor bowls which can be played by people of all abilities, and is included in the Paralympics.
Councillor Vanessa Walker, portfolio holder for adult and carer services, said: “The Care Home Games is a brilliant way for everyone to get involved, regardless of their physical abilities and age.
“As well as helping with exercise, this is a great way to socialise in a friendly and fun environment.
“I thoroughly enjoyed attending the games and I would like to thank everyone who took part in and helped organise the event. I look forward to welcoming the teams next year.”
To secure their place in the grand final, seven regional finals were held in the East Riding with teams from Haltemprice (x2), Beverley, Driffield, Goole, Bridlington and Withernsea going through.
Second place went to Claremont House in Beverley. The prize for the best t-shirt/outfit went to Queens Residential Home in Withernsea, while the prize for best banner was picked up by Woodlands from Driffield.
Sarah Johnson, sport and active communities officer at the council’s sport, play and arts service, said: “It has been a brilliant event and it was lovely to see everyone enjoying themselves.
“A lot of teams return every year and I’m pleased to see how excited they are when they arrive and how much fun they have when they are competing with other like-minded people.”
The chairman of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Councillor Pat Smith, opened the event and presented the awards at the end with Jean “The Bee Lady” Bishop (fundraiser for Age UK) who kindly supported the event, to the delight of all participants and staff. All homes also received a framed certificate and all participants received medals.
