Residents at a veterans’ care village in Salford went for gold as they battled it out at a special sports day.
People in their 90s were among those taking part in activities including seated balloon volleyball, football, cup pong, egg-and-spoon races and bat-and-ball games at Broughton House Veteran Care Village.
The sports day was hosted by the Salford City FC Foundation, who launched free twice-weekly fitness and activity sessions in the gym at the Salford care home to enhance residents’ wellbeing, strength and mobility.
It proved to be a winner with residents, who enjoyed the chance to get active and earn some bragging rights over their friends at the care home.
Retired Late Entry Major Mike Winstanley MBE, aged 78, who served with the Cheshire Regiment, said: “It was good. People could get involved in the activities because they weren’t too difficult. It was very enjoyable and worthwhile – some good exercise.”
Meanwhile, Veronica Vesty, aged 88, said: “I enjoyed it, and what Broughton House and the foundation are doing as a whole is very good. They keep us occupied and moving, doing exercises. They’re doing wonders to keep us active and on the go.”
Dale Hodgson, wellbeing and activities coordinator at Broughton House, said that the activities were carefully selected to make sure everyone could have a nice time.
“It was great to see our residents having so much fun at the sports day and getting involved,” he said.
“We put a lot of thought into choosing the right activities, making sure they were challenging while also being accessible so everyone could take part.
“Partnering with Salford City FC Foundation has been fantastic. Our residents genuinely look forward to the regular gym sessions. We’re excited to work even more closely with the foundation’s team to provide plenty more positive experiences.”
The Salford City FC Foundation is the new name of the club’s charitable arm, having transitioned from its former moniker, Foundation 92, earlier this summer.
Ruby Williams, the foundation’s health and wellbeing officer, said: “Hosting a sports day at Broughton House was something Dale and I discussed for a while, as we wanted to do something a little different for the residents.
“Salford City FC Foundation loves helping with these events and we work closely with care homes to ensure each activity is fun, safe and provides the right level of challenge for everyone. It would be great to make a Broughton House sports day a regular event.”
