Kids and kids at heart got together to channel their inner Olympians last week.
The Drumheller Summer Fun program joined forces with seniors in the community to have some fun in an Olympic themed morning on Friday, July 27, the day of the opening ceremonies for the 2012 Summer Olympics.
“Each week we have a different theme. This week it was the Olympics, so we wanted to have an Olympic challenge, get the kids involved with seniors in the community, get outside, and have some fun,” said Stephanie Henrickson, coordinator for the Summer Fun program.
The Summer Fun participants were divided into teams with seniors joining each team to help teach the children and participant in the action.
Because it was inspired by the Olympics, everyone felt it was more than appropriate to let their Canadian patriotism shine by singing O Canada before the games commenced.
The groups did several activities, including horseshoes, bean bag toss, a golf inspired event, and lawn bowling. Many of the children had never done the events, especially horseshoes, and were tutored by the seniors on the team, bridging the two generations.
Many of the seniors who came out are quite involved with the Drumheller Horseshoe Club.
“Stephanie came to us and wanted to get Summer Fun involved with seniors and asked about horseshoes,” said Rose Poulsen, seniors coordinator with the Town of Drumheller. “We tried out some Horseshoes on Canada Day and did a bit of a tournament for Seniors Week as well.”
No scores were kept, at least officially, and everyone had fun. The day ended with a hot dog barbecue in the park.
“I’m having a great time,” said Bev Verreault. “The kids are so cute.”
