AS THE Olympics and Paralympics came to an end in Tokyo this year, nursing home residents in Andover took part in their very own sporting championships.

Millway House residents completed an Olympic-themed programme throughout August to encourage movement, sensory and social interaction.

The “Oomph” Olympics, aptly named in the home on Amesbury Road for its energy-giving exercises, has been a great addition to Millway House and its residents have been celebrating their achievements.

One resident said: “We may not be quite up to GB standards just yet, but we’ve given it a good go!

“To have a reason to get up and get moving together is fabulous! We’ve all been laughing a LOT.”

To celebrate the Olympic-themed month, the Andover residents chose to throw a party. They all had the opportunity to dress up for a day of food, drink and music.

With a 1920s theme, the Gatzby-inspired affair made way for talks of a summer Olympics in Belgium in 1920. Not only were there sporting events going on in Antwerp that year, but it was also the year Mary Duncan, who celebrated her 101st birthday at Millway House earlier this year, was born.

Sara Gallagher, Millway House operations manager said: “Including exercise in our residents’ daily activities is very important. With this Olympic programme, we can give them a bit of purpose every day.

“It was great to see them congratulating each other in their 1920s’ themed costumes and hearing their chatter of sporting events throughout their lifetimes.”

Millway House is part of Sears Heathcare and CEO Richard Adams said: “At Millway House, we are a nurse-led care home, so our approach focuses on meeting the healthcare needs of our residents. Exercise is an important aspect of the daily routine and it’s been great to see the Olympic-themed movements being enjoyed by all here.”

For more information, visit www.millwayhouse.co.uk