LOCAL MSP, Michael McMahon, has been shooting hoops and scoring points with residents at a Mini Highland Games tournament at Bupa’s Highgate Care Home.
On 20th June, the home in Uddingston outside Glasgow welcomed Michael McMahon MSP, who took part in a selection of different activities specially tailored to allow residents to take part.
Staff in the home arranged eight activities – from its own version of tossing the caber and the old favourite, egg and spoon race to a tug of war – that could be done sitting down or standing up, ensuring as many people as possible could take part.
As well as having fun, the day was designed to help residents exercise, support their hand and eye coordination and promote healthy living ahead of the upcoming 2014 Commonwealth Games.
MSP Michael McMahon even showed off his athletic prowess by taking part in the basketball tournament which saw him successfully ‘shoot hoops’ and earn his team valuable points.
Michael said: “It was a pleasure to join with the residents, their families and the staff at Highgate and take part in their own Mini Highland Games. I had a lot of fun and could see that everyone else was up for a great day.
“Highgate has a very good reputation in the local community and it was evident from the way that everyone came together on the day why that is the case.”
The sporting event was organised by Nadia Fantastico, activity coordinator at Bupa’s Highgate Care Home. Nadia is a firm believer that you are never too old to get fit and works specially with people over 50 to help encourage them to lead an active lifestyle.
Nadia said: “The purpose of my role is to make a difference to the lives of the residents by introducing exercises that I specialize in. Additional physical activities that we do were then brought together and used at our highland games.
“It demonstrates that the older person can find new things that they like and enjoy doing.
“It was also great to see MSP Michael McMahon come along and chat with our residents. It really put a smile on their faces.”
There were two competing teams made up of staff, residents, relatives and friends, who all competed for the winning medals.
Michelle Ferrey, home manager at Bupa’s Highgate Care Home said: “It was a very successful afternoon of fun and games for everyone involved.
“We wanted to celebrate the Commonwealth Games coming to our city and thought the iconic Highland Games would be a fantastic way to do this.
“The efforts of the staff, the support of a local MSP and the attendance of friends and families really helped to make the games an exciting event for all of us in the home.
“We hope to hold further events like this to keep encouraging our residents to lead a fit and healthy lifestyle while having fun with family and friends.”
Bupa’s Highgate Care Home has a number of exciting events planned for their residents over the summer with a day out already in the works as the result of funds raised through a raffle.
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