Clelland Lodge embraces the Olympic Spirit

As the world’s eyes were collectively focused on Paris over the last two weeks, staff and residents at Clelland Lodge well and truly entered into Olympic fever with their own set of festivities. 

The Reception and dining areas of Clelland Lodge were draped with flags of various nations and the hospitality team pulled out all the stops and created a French-themed lunch complete with a Croquembouche.

The Torch Relay was the first event of ‘the meet’. Residents and support staff lined the corridors with flags and pompoms to cheer on the torchbearers, taking up the Aussie chant, “Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! Oi! Oi! Oi!”

The relay started at the Daffodil memory unit and coursed through all the wings ending at the Olympic cauldron at Reception, where Manager of Residential Services, Michael Smith gave the opening address before cutting the Olympic cake.  Refreshments were enjoyed by all attendees.  

Residents who participated gave the relay a 10 out of 10. One resident said afterwards that Clelland was  “a lovely community that was always buzzing with activity and lots of fun.” Resident, Jim, lit the cauldron as the final torch bearer – raising the torch with pride. 

The series of events began with Rhythmic Chair Dancing event  specially delivered by Movement Practitioner, Karen Burns, from Dance Health Alliance. The event used colourful ribbons in dance and many residents participated enthusiastically. It was followed by a 50-metre sprint and other games including paper plate discus, bean bag shot putt, balloon tennis and an Olympic quiz.  

The event closed with afternoon tea and of course, a closing ceremony. 

A huge thank you to all the staff for helping to pull off this fantastic event with creativity, imagination and enthusiasm that certainly delighted all the residents.