Care home residents boxing clever as they train for their own Olympics

Care residence residents are selecting up their boxing gloves because the prepare for their very own model of the Olympics.

With simply weeks to go earlier than the Tokyo 2020 video games get underway, 15 care houses in Scotland are competing towards one another in 5 specifically designed sports activities.

In addition to making an attempt to land essentially the most punches on boxing pads, they’re substituting a bean bag for a shot put, and recording who can full essentially the most 400m stints in July both on foot or by wheelchair.

The opposite sports activities embrace their very own model of Olympic golf in a nine-hole pitch and putt, and seated volleyball utilizing a balloon.

Residents have been in coaching all through June earlier than the opening ceremonies held at every residence.

They are going to compete all through July earlier than a closing ceremony on the finish of the month.

Elsie Connell, 87, who lives at Renaissance Care Jesmond Care Residence in Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, stated: “I might have by no means thought I might be boxing at this age, however after making an attempt it, I’m actually having fun with it and have seen some enchancment already.

“It’s nice to be up and transferring and all having an excellent snort collectively – we’re one large staff right here, so we’ve all been supporting one another, though a little bit of aggressive spirit has been retaining us all very motivated.

“I can’t await the competitors and shutting ceremonies – I’m going for gold.”

Nancy Weir, 85, resident at Renaissance Care Croftbank Home in Uddingston, South Lanarkshire, stated: “It’s been sensible enjoyable preparing for our very personal Olympics, and if the opening ceremony is something to go by, the occasion itself will likely be a blast.

She added: “I felt honoured to hold the Olympic torch, and a wee glass of prosecco made it much more particular.”

Renaissance Care operations director, Yvonne Mackenzie, stated holding their very own model of the Olympics “felt like the proper solution to convey everybody collectively”.

She stated: “Encouraging bodily exercise for our residents is extraordinarily essential and we actually needed to create one thing enjoyable that might get everybody concerned.

“The residents throughout every of the houses have been having fun with the coaching and we have now already seen an excellent carry in spirits as they get in contact with their aggressive aspect.”