From Paris to Ft. Wayne, the Olympics Come to Park Place Senior Living
“This place is not all wheelchairs in hallways,” said a resident with bright blue eyes and slightly damp clothes following an intense water balloon relay event. Wait. A water balloon event in a senior living community?
Welcome to the summer Olympic games at Park Place Senior Living! After a successful Winter Olympics, the residents championed for a repeat event leading to April Athletics, but they weren’t done yet! The teams from Park Place Senior Living, 360 Wellness, and Park Place Community Church began planning in February for the piece de resistance - Olympic week leading up to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
On Tuesday, walkers and canes were pushed aside as the assigned teams made their way to their designated circles accented by flags with colors matching the font on their name tags. (An ingenious piece of organization from Pastor Jon and his wife Beth.) Athletes wore their ‘uniforms,’ aka Park Place Olympic t-shirts, and there was a bit of nervous anticipation in the air. Pastor Jon shouted out several creative, competitive rounds, beginning with a simple pass around the circle to the bucket. The crescendo came when all the 'captains' were asked to step in the middle of the circle where the goal was to break as many water balloons as possible by throwing them at the staff!
Under the portico #OurCommitment and values were in full effect.
As this was a Traditions event, multiple generations were present (maybe future Olympians?). The 360 Wellness team expanded to include the sons of a staff member who relished the opportunity to soak their mom… hey, anything to bring joy to the residents. Thank you to the 360 Wellness and Wellness teams who ensured the events were modified for safety but amplified for sneaky exercise fun.
The values of Choice and Socialization were embraced as the gently swinging rockers were full of spectators who chose to watch their friends participate and stay dry.
The rest of the week brings Water Horseshoes, Balloon Toss (the Relay was just a warm-up) and Closing Ceremony. Come visit!