Rutherglen Olympics Brings Joy and Laughter to Residents and Staff

Despite the rainy weather, the spirit of the Rutherglen Olympics shone brightly as residents, staff, families, and friends came together for three days of fun-filled games and celebration. Originally planned to take place in the car park, the event was moved to the lounge areas of each house on August 8th, 9th, and 12th, 2024.

The Olympics kicked off with an opening ceremony in each house, where torchbearers led a parade with team banners while the iconic “Rocky” theme song played over the speakers. The residents’ excitement was palpable as they prepared for the six games ahead.

Three games were designed specifically for the residents, bringing smiles and laughter all around. “Slam Dunk!” had participants shooting hoops, while “Fling Yer Granny!”—a humorous take on the discus throw—saw residents hurling paper plates with cartoon grannies into hula hoops for points. The third game, “Fly Me to Dunoon!,” challenged residents to throw paper airplanes as close as possible to a Dunoon sign.

Staff, family, and friends also got in on the action with three relay-style games: an egg and spoon race, the backward walking race “Walk This Way,” and the hilariously challenging “Wobbly Waddle,” where participants raced with a ball between their knees.

Laughter echoed through the halls, especially when resident Margaret Mullaney burst into fits of giggles upon seeing the cartoon granny she was supposed to throw. The sense of community was evident as staff members from all departments joined in the games and cheered on their teams.

The event concluded with a closing ceremony in the winning house, Waverley, where medals were awarded to all participants, and the victorious team was presented with a trophy. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie, joy, and unity, as residents and staff celebrated their collective achievements.

One staff member remarked, “The Rutherglen Olympics brought our community together in such a special way. The laughter, the cheering, and the sheer fun of it all really brightened everyone’s day.”

The Rutherglen Olympics was more than just a series of games; it was a testament to the strong sense of community spirit within the home, creating memories that will be cherished for years to come.