Nursing Home Residents Compete in Olympics

The MediLodge group hosted their Seventh Annual Senior Olympics on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at Freedom Hill County Park in Sterling Heights, Michigan. The MediLodge Group’s fifteen facilities from Hillman to Monroe participated in this much- anticipated event.

Residents with the desire to win the Loving Cup Trophy had been participating in Olympic trials all summer in order to make their facility’s team. Over 80 residents competed in six different sporting events. An additional 250 MediLodge volunteers, family, and staff members were to hand to cheer their residents on to victory.

The event began with a gathering of all facilities under the Freedom Hill pavilion. Staff decorated their Olympic areas with props, theme music, and banners. The opening ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. with the introduction of all Olympians.

Special attention was given to resident, Heinrich Ermel, 86, of Taylor. Mr. Ermel had been a true Olympian, competing in the 1936 Olympics that were held in Germany.

The two oldest residents, Frances O’Connor, 97, of St. Clair and Luella Johnson of Monroe, lit the Olympic torch. Cathie Coleman, Life Enhancement Specialist, from MediLodge, then announced it was time to “let the games begin,” and the actual game events commenced.

Residents competed in discus, basketball, horseshoes, kickball, ring toss, and shot put, while staff, friends, and family supported their team members. While judges tallied the numbers to determine the winner, everyone feasted on a picnic meal prepared by Chef Brandon Snider and staff from MediLodge of Howell. Entertainment was provided by Robin Beck.

Finally, the moment arrived for Dee Culp, Director of Operations, to present Olympic medallions to each participant and announce the winning team. This year’s Loving Cup Trophy was awarded to Milford Park Place. Administrator, Nancy Price, and Activity Director, Shelley Petoskey, accepted the trophy as the rest of the staff and residents raucously celebrated their victory.

“This is what it is all about,” stated Cathie Coleman, “Residents living life to the fullest, enjoying themselves, and celebrating their talents—just stand back and let the happiness surround you. This is a day that won’t soon be forgotten.”

For further information, contact Cathie Coleman, Life Enhancement Specialist, at 586.752.5008 (office) or 248.343.8787 (cell).