Greenhive Care Home in Peckham, run by not-for-profit- care provider Anchor Hanover, held a sports tournament throughout last week to coincide with the cancelled Olympics opening ceremony.
All 114 care homes run by the provider hosted their own tournaments consisting of daily one-minute sporting challenges in basketball, cricket, football, table tennis, golf and rugby; using equipment specially adapted for people living with dementia.
“Our residents have been disappointed that many sports events have been understandably cancelled due to the pandemic, so we decided to hold our own sporting events instead,” said manager Yanique King.
“It’s a great opportunity to exercise our bodies and minds, doing meaningful activities while also having fun!”
Resident Dev Persuad, aged 90, said before the tournament kicked off: “It’s a shame the Olympics and many other sports have been cancelled but Anchor’s Summer of Sport will be great fun.
“I can’t wait to take part because I love sports. I used to be a sports reporter and loved presenting – sporting events were always the highlight of my weekends”.