Teams incorporated residents from the village, as well as the wider community, who regularly participate in activities.

They embraced the idea by making banners, deciding on team colours and names and planning their attire for the day’s events.

The festivities started with a torch relay around Merton Village with each resident taking part. 

It ended at the croquet lawn, after passing the Olympic goddess (as one of the residents decided to assume this role).

The games were officially opened by chairman of the board David Roe.

It was then time for the residents to make their mark.

And, they were fiercely competitive and relished in the activities.

They competed to the best of their ability with plenty of support given by fellow team members.

Points were awarded to residents for turning up to support their team if they were unable to participate in an activity.

The games also served as a social occasion – with everyone mingling among each other.

The residents were blessed with two weeks of glorious weather for competition, which included boules, darts, table tennis, croquet, quoits, mini golf, Hoi and pool. 

The games ended with a closing ceremony that consisted of presenting medals to the overall winning teams. 

All residents who took part commented on how fun the fortnight had been and how the event had improved residents’ confidence, as they were attempting activities that they thought were too much for them.

“We even had comments from competitors who are not residents of the village,” general manager Shani Mitchell said.

“Elaine and Phyllis stated: ‘We are not living on the retirement village but attend a lot of their events. As Denman is a small town and most of the activities for older people are held at the village, we hope we will always be included in their activities as there are no other alternatives for us’.

“We hope that more residents, not residing in our village, take the opportunity to participate in our activities.

“Other comments included: ‘How much I personally enjoyed this year’s event, as I saw each day bring out the best in residents as they joined in the fun and had the best time’.

“But, everyone is asking ‘What are we going to do now?

“With comments like that, we can see the event was a success.

“Look out for some changes to be made to the calendar.”

The overall champions at the end of two week’s competition:

Gold Medal: The Croakers

Silver Medal: The Blues

Bronze Medal: The Grey Nomads