Chatteris care home residents go for gold in their own Winter Olympics

Snowballs, curling and Nordic walking are just some of the events enjoyed by residents at a Fenland care home as they hold their own Winter Olympics.

Residents at Swan House Care Home in Chatteris have enjoyed the various activities while cheering on Team GB in their quest for medals in Beijing this month.

In the lead-up to the games, residents created Olympic torches, flags and banners in their arts and crafts activities to decorate the home.

Reminiscence sessions triggered memories from previous Olympics with favourite moments being Torvill and Dean winning gold for their legendary Boléro ice dance in 1984 and Eddie the Eagle winning hearts for his ski jumping in 1988, despite finishing last.

The home’s 'Magic Moments' coordinators devised a series of activities designed for residents of all abilities to take part in, including tabletop curling, snowball bowling, cross-country quizzing and armchair ice dancing.

Residents have also explored Chinese culture during the games, including a live-streamed tour of Beijing with a local guide to show them around and answer any questions.

Resident, Anne MacDonald, aged 89, said: “I’m really enjoying taking part in all the different events, they’re great fun and it just goes to show you can have a go at anything whatever your age.”

88-year-old resident, Dennis Easy, laughed: “It’s so exciting! I didn’t know I had it in me - I just hope Team GB win as many medals as I have!”

Anne Hillary, the home’s manager, said: “Everyone is really enjoying getting involved in our ‘Going for Gold’ Olympic activities and I’m sure our team members are going to be kept very busy handing out medals to our residents who are extremely competitive. Our Olympic themed activities will culminate with a closing ceremony party so we can celebrate everyone’s achievements, perhaps over a snowball cocktail or two!”

Swan House Care Home is located in Swan Drive and provides residential, nursing, respite, palliative and intermediate care.