Grand Final of the Care Home Games held in Beverley

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 50s to 96 - 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 Richard Harrap, 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 would like to thank everyone who took part in and helped organise the games and I look forward to welcoming the teams to next year’s event.”

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 overall winner was St Mary's Care Centre in Anlaby who were delighted to take home the top honours.

John Skidmore, director of adults, health and customer services, said: “It was a great day; everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the winning team members are very happy.

“Not only do the teams love competing in the games, they love practising for them as well.

Ian Rayner, interim head of culture and customer services, added: “Boccia soft bowls is a sport that can be played by anyone and it is a very sociable activity which encourages friendships to flourish.

“It was great to see everyone working well as a team and I thoroughly enjoyed talking to the participants during the event.”

Second place went to Claremont House in Beverley. The prize for the best t-shirt went to The White House from Driffield, while the prize for best flag was picked up by Claremont House in Beverley

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 Margaret  Chadwick, opened the event and all the awards were presented by Jean 'The Bee Lady' Bishop 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.