OAPs prove they’re real golden oldies in Rio day
IT MIGHT not boast the drama of the 100 metres or the spectacle of a somersaulting divers, but dozens of pensioners have proved that you are never too old for Olympic glory as they competed in the capital’s first ever Care Home Games.
And if you think that this sounds like Edinburgh’s equivalent to the Father Ted ‘All-Priests five-a-side Over- 75s Indoor Challenge Football Match’, think again.
The two-day event concluded at Inchview Care Home yesterday with residents showing off their skills in everything from javelin to ballroom dancing – with definitely no fake arms or underhand use of electric wheelchairs. Elaine Perry, manager at Inchview Care Home, said: “We are delighted to host this event and Inchview has been transformed into an athletes’ village.
“Residents and staff have all gotten involved and have either been in training or making banners and pompoms to cheer on their friends.”
The inaugural event has been organised by city council staff in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure’s Ageing Well project as an initiative to encourage care home resi- dents to keep active and healthy.
More than 90 residents battled it out to be crowned sports champions of several events including javelin, new age Kurling, Unstrictly Dancing, Care Home does Count Down and Funky Moves.
Residents taking to the dancefloor for the ‘Unstrictly Dancing’ ballroom contests were scored by Inchview resident, Sidney Ball, who has a wealth of showbiz experience having appeared in ‘The Prince and the Showgirl’ dancing alongside superstar Marilyn Monroe and under the direction of Laurence Olivier.
The Games were officially opened by 76-yearold William Gentleman, who became the oldest person to ever win a Scottish Championship medal in May this year.
Mr Gentleman is world throws champion and British record holder in three age groups and volunteers in his spare time coaching seniors and veterans in weight training, throwing techniques and running.
He said: “As a master/ veteran athlete myself, I am very much aware of the benefits of getting fitter and keeping active and heartily applaud this initiative.”
Councillor Ricky Henderson, Convener of Health and Social Care at Edinburgh City Council, added: “These social activities are a great way for older people to stay active.”
The Rio Olympics kick off on August 5.