Chair bowling, from the left, Audrey Frizzell, volunteer; Galahad Elites’ Roman Jahns, Marina Brown, recreation therapist for Galahad and Hardisty for Senior’s Week on June 15 at the Galahad Agriplex. ECA Review/J.Geddes
by Jamie Geddes
The residents of three Flagstaff seniors’ homes from Galahad, Hardisty and Killam challenged each other to compete in a series of 11 events battling for gold, silver and bronze awards in “Olympic Games” fashion on Wednesday, June 15 at the Galahad Agriplex.
The “Olympic Games” began four years ago when Galahad hosted the first event and each team has taken a turn hosting the event each year.
The event M. C. Faye Reister requested the singing of the national anthem O’ Canada and Bethel United Church Minister Dianne Crewe offered a prayer for the athletes and those in attendance. Norah Griffiths, Manager of the Galahad Care Centre welcomed everyone and officially opened the games.
The teams were well represented and they were prepared to do battle. The athletes arrived in team colours, wearing matching t-shirts and had their game faces on.
They brought bright banners to distinguish their territory in the event ring.
The Olympic Health events challenged the athletes from each team to: chair bowling, spelling bee, yarn roll, ladder ball, Bible trivia, clothes pin race, bean bag toss, sock throw, name that tune, volunteer race, and a crib tournament.
The teams were issued points at the completion of each event and points were added at the end of the games.
The action was fierce as the Hardisty Hooligans came to defend their gold medal standing won at last year’s event but they were up-ended by the Galahad Elites taking the gold when the final score was tallied.
The Killam Kats gave a solid performance and took home the silver while the Hardisty Hooligans fought hard for the bronze medal.
Doreen Herle and Arlene Galm of the Galahad Ladies Auxiliary presented the athletes with their awards.
Cathy Blumhagen, Recreation Assistant at Galahad Care Centre organized the event and made the athletes medals while Marina Brown, Recreation Therapist who services both Galahad and Hardisty assisted Blumhagen and the athletes during the event.
“This event gives the residents an opportunity to get out, socialize and connect with their peers,” said Blumhagen. “It offers a day of fun and good socialization.”
This event came together with the help of several organizations including The Galahad Lion’s Club and Westmoreland Coal provided funds for the meal, while the Galahad Ag Society graciously loaned us the hall and the Galahad Catering Group cooked and served the turkey dinner and helped with the medal presentations.
“The community effort is commendable,” added Blumhagen “and we remain grateful for the generosity that makes these events possible for the benefit of our seniors. I admit it is also fun for the staff to get to interact with the seniors in a different way and with other Flagstaff seniors’ residents,” says Blumhagen.
