Glengowrie residents go for gold with Olympics-themed celebration!
Patriotism, sportsmanship and friendly competition were on full display at RetireAustralia’s Glengowrie Retirement Village last Friday as residents enjoyed a spectacular Olympics-themed event.
Neil McCann lights the Olympic flame.
Athletes representing Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain participated in eight events, with Great Britain taking the lead when the medals were tallied at the end of the day.
Among the athletes was resident Neil McCann, who took silver in the handball and also participated in the coin throwing event and the torch relay.
“I thought it was outstanding, absolutely outstanding,” he says. “I play a lot of sport, and I always enjoy participating in events with the other residents.”
The light-hearted event was a great opportunity for all the residents to come together as a community, even with a bit of spirited competition between the three countries’ supporters.
Residents from sister village Scarborough Mews also joined in on the fun, helping to line the streets as the athletes made their way through the village with an actual Sydney 2000 Olympic torch.
Other Sydney Olympics memorabilia obtained for the event included a torch relay uniform and volunteer uniform, which were on display throughout the day.
Village Manager Debbie Dean, who organised the day, says: “These events are big productions and we follow the real thing as much as possible, right down to the little details.”
With the help of a team of residents, Debbie arranged magnificent opening and closing ceremonies, eight sporting events and a torch relay.
Residents also pitched in to act as commentators, marshalls, and even a chief drug tester! “I always have loads of support from the residents – they get really excited and involved,” says Debbie.
“It’s been a lot of work and without them, I wouldn’t be able to get through it.”
Despite Australia’s third place defeat, the event was a smashing success and all the residents enjoyed themselves immensely.
“I think everyone had a wonderful time!” Neil says.
The event is set to be a recurring feature at the village allowing the Aussie athletes and supporters, a chance of a golden comeback.
“I plan to run it bi-annually – most of these big events are one-off, but this one lends itself to duplication,” Debbie says.
