During the week of October 3, 2002, the residents of Glenaire participated in the Brightspire Olympics. Over the course of the week, participants were able to travel to other Brightspire communities, River Landing at Sandy Ridge, and Scotia Village. On Friday October 7th, Glenaire was host to the closing games and ceremony.
Beginning in 2008, the Brightspire Olympics engages residents to participate in physical activity and friendly competition. This year’s events ranged from chair volleyball, Bocce, corn toss, golf, billiards, walking and more. With friendly, competitive spirits, the community cheered on their own residents, as well as the other participants.
“This was my first year at Glenaire and first Olympic experience,” said Wellness Assistant, Sheri Sampson. “I was blown away by the excitement, enthusiasm and commitment of the competitors and staff in each community. It is a wonderful Brightspire experience!”
The Glenaire Olympians made strides in many of the events and claimed medals in multiple categories. The co-ed Bocce team won first place, as well as the women’s water walking, men’s water walking, women’s swimming, men’s swimming, and men’s table tennis. Other medals were awarded to the water volleyball team and women’s billiards.
For residents, the Olympics offer a unique opportunity to socialize within the Glenaire community, as well as the sister communities. Wilma Allen, a Glenaire Olympian and resident shared her thoughts about the weeklong events. “The Brightspire Olympics was a great chance to compete in a friendly way with other seniors. I enjoyed meeting competitors from other CCRCs. We also got the chance to share lunch and see other facilities."
A true highlight in the community, the Brightspire Olympics brought a lot of joy and spirited competition. With so many ways to participate, the community will have much to look forward to for the next round of Olympic events in 2023.