IT might not boast the drama of the 100 metres or the spectacle of a somersaulting divers, but dozens of Edinburgh pensioners have proved that you are never too old for Olympic glory as they competed in the city's first ever Care Home Games.
And if you are think that this sounds like Edinburgh's equivalent to the Father Ted 'All-Priests five-a-side Over-75s Indoor Challenge Football Match', think again.
The two-day event concluded at Inchview Care Home yesterday with residents showing off their skills in everything from javelin to ballroom dancing - with definitely no fake arms or underhand use of electric wheelchairs.
Elaine Perry, manager at Inchview Care Home, said: “We are delighted to host this event and Inchview has been transformed into an athletes’ village.
"Residents and staff have all gotten involved and have either been in training or making banners and pom-poms to cheer on their friends."
The inaugural event has been organised by staff at Edinburgh City Council and in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure’s Ageing Well project as an initiative to encourage care home residents to keep active and healthy.
More than 90 residents battled it out to be crowned sports champions of several events including javelin, new age Kurling, Unstrictly Dancing, Care Home does Count Down and Funky Moves.
Residents taking to the dancefloor for the 'Unstrictly Dancing' ballroom contests were scored by Inchview resident, Sidney Ball, who has a a wealth of showbiz experience having appeared in 'The Prince and the Showgirl' dancing alongside superstar Marilyn Monroe and under the direction of Laurence Olivier.
The Games were officially opened by 76-year-old William Gentleman, who became the oldest person to ever win a Scottish Championship medal in May this year.
Mr Gentleman is World throws champion and British record holder in three age groups and volunteers in his spare time coaching seniors and veterans in weight training, throwing techniques and running.
He said: "As a Master/Veteran athlete myself, I am very much aware of the benefits of getting fitter and keeping active and heartily applaud this initiative."
Councillor Ricky Henderson, Convener of Health and Social Care at Edinburgh City Council, added: "These social activities are a great way for older people to stay active and I’ve witnessed first-hand how much enjoyment the residents and staff get from these types of fun events.”
It comes as the real Olympic Games prepares to get underway in Rio in just over a week's time, on August 5.
Anita Jefferies, Ageing Well Manager at Edinburgh Leisure said: “At Edinburgh Leisure, our multi-award winning Ageing Well programme caters for over 400 adults in community venues, supported by volunteers that are older people themselves.
“Staying active certainly helps to hold back the years, both physically and mentally and these games are a celebration of that and will hopefully get others inspired, no matter what their age or fitness levels.”
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