Ron Smith Care Centre’s residents get active
It was an exceptional event that brought joy to the entire care centre community.
Ron Smith Care Centre’s second annual Golden Games Special Olympics brought residents and staff to enjoy a week of fun.
Like last year each of the care centre’s six residential wings dressed up in team colours as they competed for top honours.
Teams competed in four events – noodle wars, fingerboard, beanbag knockdown and the skyscraper building challenge – from July 10-14.
Debbie Christen, Rand Aid’s manager of recreational programmes, said preparation for this year’s games started in mid-June.
RSCC’s employees kicked off team-building by participating in fun dance practices to build unity and team spirit.
“Staff attended practice sessions to learn a cheer dance to Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off.”
“Twelve dance groups, representing all of the wings, then danced at the games, judged and awarded points for their performance,” said Debbie.
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Lakeside residential wing’s A Group won the 2023 Dance Champions title.
The four-day Golden Games culminated in an awards ceremony, where the winning team, Cedar Park, was congratulated, and individual members were crowned and presented with medals.
Special awards presented to residents include the champion golden gamer, best over 90 competitor, champion skyscraper builder, best sportsman, most spirited and best effort made.
Awards presented to staff were best team Leader, best ecourager, most supportive of residents, most improved dancer and best male cheer dancer.
“The team spirit, excitement, singing, dancing, cheering, clapping, determination and friendly competitiveness throughout the event was thrilling to experience,” said Debbie.
“It was particularly heart warming to see the absolute fun and joy that the events brought, and the wonderful spirit and positive energy that came from supporting, encouraging and applauding others – whether they were on the same team or not.”
Debbie said most residents enjoyed themselves.
“Some, who don’t normally participate in recreational activities, came alive during the competitions. Others, who thought they wouldn’t be able to manage some of the events, were encouraged to give it a try and were amazed and delighted at the results of their efforts,” she added.
The employees also enjoyed the event, saying it lifted their spirits, while a family member sent a WhatsApp to RSCC that read, “I was fortunate to arrive today while everyone was getting ready.
“The positive energy, enthusiasm and team spirit were great to see. Well done! I am sure this event will go a long way to brighten up the days for all that stay there.”
Debbie said the games were much more than just winning and losing.
“The event is about having a positive attitude, trying your best, having fun, making an effort, encouraging your teammates and appreciating other people’s achievements, regardless of which team they are on.
“In upholding these values, residents and staff honoured the true spirit of the games.”
She said it was an exceptional event that brought joy to the entire care centre community.
