Medals, Music, and a little Magic: The Ultimate Recap of the Perley Health Olympics
Highlight Reel
Game on!
With the spirit of the Olympics in the air, Perley Health brought the excitement of the games to our community with a spectacular summer celebration.
A popular quadrennial event, the Perley Health Summer Olympics brings together members of the wider Perley Health community in the spirit of camaraderie and fun. Perley Health tenants, residents, staff, volunteers, and friends and loved ones gather to try their hand at some games, enjoy live entertainment, and engage in a little friendly competition.
First, to get everyone in a Parisian headspace and into the spirit of the games, the Recreation and Therapeutic Arts team and the Food and Nutrition team cooked up some delicious on-theme Beignets for the entire Perley Health community to enjoy. These fried dough pastries dusted with powdered sugar were a huge hit, and helped give everyone the carbs they'd need to power through the events of the next day when the games would officially begin.
The games kicked off on the morning of Wednesday, August 7, 2024. Recreation Therapist, Rachel Dobson, kicked off the ceremonies by introducing the teams of Perley Health competitors as staff, residents, and tenants carried their team signs into the arena (Lupton Hall) to a cheering crowd.
To help foster friendly competition, all residents, staff and volunteers were encouraged to dress in the colours of their buildings:
- Blue: Ottawa
- Black: Perley Centre
- Red: Rideau
- Yellow: Senior Living tenants
- Green: Gatineau
The ceremonies began with the singing of "O Canada," followed by Recreation Programmer, Ben Buttrum, who led our Olympians in reciting the Olympic Oath. Pianist Sara Saba then regaled the crowd with a concert, introducing each song with some history and a few jokes, much to the delight of all Olympic hopefuls. After the concert, Manager, Therapeutic Recreation and Creative Arts, Michelle Proulx, emerged carrying the Perley Health Olympic Torch and officially kicked off the games.
For the games, residents and tenants were encouraged to bring along their Olympic passports and get stamps from at least 3 of the 5 events. Most of our athletes took on the challenge and many completed all 5 events! Games enjoyed included:
- Target Shooting: Held in the cafeteria, this event aimed to hit the bullseye on everyone's hearts.
- Walk & Roll Track: On the second floor, many residents set what some believe to be course records!
- Magic Table Soccer Match & Connect Four: Competitors faced off in these oversized games in the games room.
- Ice Cream Parlour: A fan favourite, where participants earned points for enjoying ice cream.
- Basketball Hoop Shoot: Back in Lupton Hall, athletes showcased their skills, sinking 3-pointers (and even dunking!) on Recreation Therapist, Dave Harris, before posing with the Olympic Torch and attending their personal medal ceremony.
The Perley Health Olympics were a resounding success, and the fans have spoken. Here are some reflections from our community:
“I am writing to you about the wonderful recreation staff here at Perley Health. The activities were well planned so everyone could participate, and the different venues made it even more interesting. The fact that each event could be changed or adapted to suit the ability of the resident was certainly appreciated by the residents I was with. The ice cream station was a fan favourite. Imagine getting points for ice cream!” - Loved one of a Perley Health Resident.
“Once again the Perley team outdid themselves and poured themselves into making EVERY SECOND special for EVERYONE who participated in this event. We are looking forward to the next Perley event. A VERY BIG thank you to EVERYONE who made yesterday INCREDIBLY SPECIAL and FUN.” - Loved one of a Perley Health Resident.
A heartfelt thank you to all residents and tenants who participated and cheered on the athletes. We also extend our gratitude to the staff who helped and encouraged the participants, and to the family members and volunteers who ensured residents could attend and showcase their talents.
To the Recreation and Therapeutic Arts team; your dedication and love for the residents and tenants was fully displayed to the entire Perley Health community throughout the day. The time, effort, and organization you put in leading up to and day-of were truly inspiring and appreciated by so many. On behalf of everyone, thank you!
See you all in two years for the 2026 Perley Health Winter Olympics!