Today’s final at Calvary’s Flora McDonald follows six days of competitions, as each aged care home identified their best seasoned athletes to represent at the finals.

“Calvary’s residents have been practicing for months now, perfecting their skills. It’s been great to see the homes really get into the Olympic spirit over the last two weeks,” Calvary South Australia General Manager, Aged Care, Ryan Midgley said.

“Residents have been trying everything from basketball and aeroplane throwing to improving their general knowledge for the quiz. Staff have also got into the spirit with some homes printing t-shirts. We also have mascots, cheer squads and homes have come up with chants. Everyone is really excited.”

Calvary Trevu resident Felicity Kennedy said the Olympics had inspired many to try something new.

“I do watch the Olympic Games when I wake up and it’s been really encouraging to see so many inspirational stories come to life. Being able to get involved as well has been such a fun experience. At Trevu, we’ve been practicing the basketball hoops, golf and nerf shooting,” Ms Kennedy said.

“I’m really good at the memory game and the quiz, but I’m definitely keen to compete in some of the other activities today.”

The idea for the Calvary SA Aged Care Games came from the Calvary Resident Representative Committee, which meets regularly to discuss and share ideas about menus, events and activities.

Kingswood resident Colin Poulton, who is on the committee, said the group wanted to bring this particular event to life so residents could come together, have fun and learn new skills.

“I’ve been really looking forward to today’s finals, just being there, meeting other residents and sharing the fun times,” Mr Poulton said.

“I suppose some will take it more to heart than others with it being a competition, but it is more about coming together. At this stage in life we’re all winners. We’ve come this far, so we’re all winners and that’s what today is all about.”

Calvary South Australia and Northern Territory Regional CEO, Sharon Kendall, said today and the lead up to the games had encouraged shared experiences among residents, staff, volunteers and families. “We have many of our residents’ families here today to see their parents, grandparents and loved onescompete. It is wonderful the Calvary SA Aged Care Games have become a community event,” Ms Kendall said. “Importantly today, and the competitions leading up to the finals, have helped our residents realise they’re capable of more than they initially believed. The games have had a positive impact on their overall wellbeing.” Residents are competing in variations of the following games:

The Closing Ceremony for the Calvary SA Aged Care Games will be held this afternoon, with winning residents receiving a medal, and a trophy awarded to the overall winning home.