Elant at Newburgh residents compete in First Annual Senior Olympics

Aug. 7, 2009 - PRLog -- Newburgh, N.Y. – The residents of Elant at Newburgh welcomed their first Senior Olympics with a five-day flurry of events, ceremonies, and competitions at the Meadow Hill Road facility. The indoor festivities included every resident of the 190-bed facility, and those who participate in the Elant at Newburgh Adult Day Health Care program. The goal, according to Elant at Newburgh Activities Director Heidi Williams, was to motivate and energize participants through healthy competition and camaraderie.

“We were pleasantly surprised with how competitive some were,” said Williams. “Some really gave it their all, including a few who don’t normally participate in much. We are already making plans for years to come, and residents are quick to make suggestions.”
The inaugural festivities kicked off Monday, July 20, with a round of mop hockey, where teams of four competed in a seated position with mops and a small beach ball to make goals in the facility’s main dining room.

The sound of clanging mop sticks and the occasional good-natured complaints to a referee – “That was a bad call!” – rang out loud and true as each player fought for an opportunity to hit the “puck.”

“I was a tomboy as a girl, but I haven’t held a mop in decades,” said 75-year-old Elant at Newburgh resident Jean Milliken, who competed on the Bronze-winning team with husband (and roommate) George Milliken. “Participating was a really fun thing to do, especially at my age. I met a lot of new people.”

Other “Olympic” events held throughout the week included target shooting, the shot put (Longest throw: 21 feet!), an obstacle course, a relay race, cup stacking, basketball, and bowling. Closing ceremonies were held Friday, July 24, where everyone received a “participation” ribbon. In addition, medals were distributed for those taking Gold, Silver, or Bronze honors in each event.

“I never played sports in my life; I used to crochet,” said 92-year-old Lillian Jacobsen, an Elant at Newburgh resident and Senior Olympics competitor who took home a Bronze in target shooting and a Silver in basketball.

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About Elant, Inc.: Elant, Inc., a community-based, not-for-profit organization, is a leading provider of services for older adults and chronically ill people of all ages. Elant is a comprehensive network of organizations that provides a full range of health and housing services to the Hudson Valley and beyond. On any given day, Elant serves more than 3,500 people through its network of communities, home care agencies, and services. Elant’s mission is to provide personalized, high-quality care, and lifestyle options to persons of diverse generations, cultures, and needs.