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Echuca Community for the Aged go for gold in mini Olympics

May Fitzpatrick and Bernice McCluskey showed their competitive streaks during the Wharparilla Lodge mini Olympics. Photos: Aidan Briggs Photo by Aidan Briggs

Echuca Community for the Aged residents have again enjoyed the Wharparilla Lodge mini Olympics.

The event kicked off on Monday, August 19, running all week, with residents competing in 11 events.

Lifestyle co-ordinator Melinda Mundie said even the more reserved residents were joining in and everyone was having fun.

“[The residents] are very excited to participate in the Wharparilla Lodge mini Olympics,” she said.

“We are having residents who normally wouldn’t participate turning up to the activities.

“It is a great opportunity for them to try something new and have a bit of fun and laughter, which we certainly have been having all week.”

ECA residents enjoyed a range of events during their mini Olympics week. Photo by Aidan Briggs

This year’s events included basketball, shooting, big bobs, javelin, indoor bowls, shot put, tenpin bowling and bean bag toss.

While there were no formal training sessions leading up to the event, residents play big bobs and indoor bowls almost weekly and try to fit in some shooting and tenpin bowling every few weeks.

New events were introduced this year and residents were eager to try their hand at something different, including table golf, air hockey and volleyball.

Beryl Trease, one of the residents who gave the new events a go, won gold in table golf, air hockey, and big bobs.

Marg Kirk and Maureen Carr had a ball during a game of voleyball. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Ms Trease said the mini Olympics was a great experience.

“It was most enjoyable, yesterday I blitzed the day, winning a medal in each of the events I competed in,” she said.

“All the events that the staff have organised have been really enjoyable and a lot of fun.”

For other residents like Marg Kirk, the mini Olympics was a chance to socialise.

Ms Kirk said she appreciated the company.

“I have enjoyed the company and the competition, it’s been really enjoyable,” she said.

Ms Kirk took home a silver medal in air hockey and a bronze medal in table golf.

The mini Olympics wrapped up on Friday with a special closing ceremony and happy hour.