They may not have made it to snowy Italy in person but sports fans at care homes in the south have enjoyed putting their own take on Winter Olympics-themed fun.
Colten Care residents have participated in gentle, good natured rivalry in activities such as broomstick curling, noodle hockey, snowball throws and chair skiing.
At Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst in the New Forest, first-time broom curler Elsebeth Hacking surprised everyone by becoming champion, while fellow residents laughed, clapped and cheered each other on.
Pat Spring Smyth said “I had a great time laughing at my attempts. It might have been better if I’d skied!”
There was a similar chair-based curling contest held over eight rounds at Abbotts Barton in Winchester, after which residents donned snow goggles and bobble hats for a bobsleigh and toboggan game and headed for après-ski hot chocolate.
At Canford Chase in Poole, a snowball relay game was led by Companion and keen snowboarder Justin Corder who kitted himself out in full outdoor gear including helmet, goggles and boots.
The game involved teams throwing soft ‘snowballs’ into a box against the clock, with medals for the winners.
Justin then gave a talk about snowboarding and said: “Residents were fascinated to learn about how a snowboard works, the layers of clothing needed to stay warm on the slopes and the importance of safety gear.
“They asked brilliant questions and the equipment sparked lots of memories and stories from residents about winter holidays, snow and favourite cold-weather traditions.
“It was a wonderful way to bring the excitement of the Winter Olympics right into our home without anyone needing to feel the cold.”
Various Colten Care homes have planned activities throughout the duration of the Italian games.
Team members at Fernhill, a dedicated dementia care home in Longham near Bournemouth, have put up snowflake decorations and other props while The Aldbury in Poole is enabling residents to create their own ski scenes using immersive winter backdrops, cardboard skis, sunglasses and even golf clubs.
In Lymington, Court Lodge and Belmore Lodge, are using the Italian games as a prompt for hosting visits and pen-pal activities designed to forge friendships between residents at the two homes.
