Prince Charles salutes sporty Erskine veterans
Prince Charles has sent a message of support to sporty Erskine veterans.
Care home residents are taking part in this year’s Sporting Senior Games, a joint collaboration between the charity and Glasgow Caledonian University .
The prince sent his support ahead of the D-Day landingthemed Games, which will take place tomorrow and will be opened by Para veteran Scott Meenagh.
Erskine teams will be joined by competitors from Lanarkshire, Ayrshire, and West Lothian, in the GCU Arc building in Glasgow for a day of sporting competition.
D- Day veteran Robert Johnston, 96, is raring to go.
“It’s great to be competing in the games. I am really excited to be playing my boccia bowls,” he said.
As well as royal support, inspiration will also come from veteran Scott Meenagh who was captain of the multiple medal- winning British Army team at the inaugural Invictus Games.
For the fifth year in a row many hours have been devoted to practising the sports for which individual gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded.
However in the true spirit of sporting camaraderie, no one will go home empty-handed with rosettes being awarded to every competitor.
The overall team winners will receive the ultimate accolade – the John Bowman Trophy – named after the inspirational Erskine veteran who loved competing at the games.
John’s son will attend to hand over the trophy, in his father’s memory.
Erskine’s head physiotherapist Janet Leith said: “Erskine’s programme for promoting physical activity for all our residents culminates in the 2019 Sporting Senior Games.
“We began the year with an innovative dance programme in collaboration with Scottish Ballet, followed by Functional Fitness MOT roadshows which encouraged residents and staff to increase their physical activity. Both programmes paved the way for our intensive training leading up to the Games.
“The Games help us to encourage all our care home residents to make every movement count. We are looking forward to a fantastic, fun day of sporting activity, friendship and smiles.”
Glasgow Caledonian University’s Dawn Skelton, professor of ageing and health, said these types of events allow care home residents to take part in fun games competition but with the ultimate aim of increasing their physical activity to improve physical function, health and quality of life.
“Our research confirms the benefits of sitting less and moving more,” she added.
“Each year more than 40 healthcare students from the university get to see older people enjoying physical activity rather than just seeing exercise as a rehabilitation tool – vital to open their minds to what older people can achieve, even when they are frailer.”