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Are you ready for the Olympic Games?
- Categories Things to watch, Uncategorized
- Date July 25, 2024
Is your village ready for the Olympic Games?
Commencing on Friday 26th July and running through until Sunday 11th August, I have always found the Olympic Games to be an opportunity to introduce some joy, nostalgia, and a bit of friendly competition.
I’ve had the great pleasure of seeing what Village Managers from across the country have organised over the years and thought I’d share some of the highlights, starting with:
Get in the spirit
Have you decorated your community centre with Green and Gold? Try adding a little Parisian flare to your decorations by highlighting some iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Cathedral of Notre Dame, and Arc De Triomphe.
Obviously, don’t forget to include the Olympic rings logo somewhere!
![olympic games australian team](https://thedcminstitute.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Australian-Team.png)
Opening Ceremony Watch Party
The Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris will take place on Friday, July 26, at 8:24 PM local time. Now, for those of us in Australia, this means tuning in at 4:24 AM AEST on Saturday, July 27 or two hours earlier for our friends in the west, and half an hour earlier for our friends in South Australia.
Not exactly ‘prime time’ viewing.
Don’t fear though, because the host broadcaster, the Nine Network in Australia, generally replays the Opening Ceremony, so you can do something at a more civilised time of day! (And with streaming the way it is, you can always check the 9Now app, and set the time to replay it for your residents.
Broadcast the games in the community centre
Having the Olympic Games broadcasted in the community centre can be a great way to bring everyone together.
Simply having the television on and setting up a cozy viewing area can attract the most unlikely of viewers. I’ve seen this simple of set up bring residents out of their homes and into the community centre where they will sit, watch and talk with anyone and everyone who comes by.
You will find this becomes a great conversation starter because just about everyone has an Olympic Games story to share.
Remember to consult with Dr Google so you can call out when key events are going to be on in your newsletter. Popular events are swimming, track and field – and basically anything Australia is likely to medal in. (So, more swimming and less track and field.)
Medal Tally Tipping Comp
A medal tally tipping competition is a simple way to get everyone involved in the Olympic action. Just like the yearly Footy Tipping Comp for instance, residents can predict the number of gold, silver and bronze Australia will win, who will win the most medals (and how many). For a more challenging tipping comp, see if someone can tip the top 5 or top 10 countries by medals won.
You’ll need to update the medal tally daily on your notice board (and date stamp as being ‘current as of’) and just like your Footy Tipping comp, this activity not only keeps everyone engaged with the events but also sparks lively discussions and friendly rivalries.
Arm chair travel
Do you have a resident who has been to France? Or perhaps you have a good relationship with the local travel agent? Why not host an Arm Chair Travel session for residents and explore France from the comfort of the Community Centre?
With a little bit of coordination, a lap top, and a good story teller, this can be a great afternoon – and one you could match up with some local food. Speaking of which.
Themed dinner
Monthly dinners are a staple of the monthly activity calendar for most retirement villages.
Have you or the Social Committee considered adding a French Theme? Have residents prepare dishes that speak to the host nation of the games and, to add an extra layer, pair the food with some French wines!
Village Olympic Games
Now, this one takes a little bit of coordination, and buy in from the residents.
Hosting a Village Olympics can be the highlight of the two-week period. Create a series of events that cater to different interests and abilities, from scooter racing to bowls competitions. (Note, the WHS advisors will not recommend the scooter racing, and rightly so.)
These events can be adapted to ensure inclusivity and safety for all participants. Not only does this encourage physical activity, but it also fosters camaraderie and a sense of achievement among residents.
And finally, The Closing Ceremony Watch Party
Once again the Closing Ceremony is at the early time of 4AM AEST on Monday 12 August. Remember, just like the Opening Ceremony, this means it will likely be replayed at a more friendly time of day.
The Olympic Games serve as a perfect backdrop for fostering belonging and camaraderie, by ensuring that these two weeks are filled with laughter, nostalgia, and good times. By embracing the Olympic spirit, we can create lasting memories and a vibrant community for residents, staff and guests.
![](https://thedcminstitute.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Australian-Paris-Logo.png)
Hosting a Village Olympics can be the highlight of the two-week period.
Create a series of events that cater to different interests and abilities, from scooter racing to bowls competitions, because these events can be adapted to ensure inclusivity and safety for all participants. Not only does this encourage physical activity, but it also fosters camaraderie and a sense of achievement among residents.
The games will be held on Friday 26th July – Sunday 11 August 2024, get ready for an Outstanding Olympics. Is your village ready for the Olympic Games?
Kick off the Paris Olympics with a grand opening ceremony! Start by having the Olympic flame carried around the building, inside and outside, with residents passing the flame to each other until it reaches the activity room.
What do the Opening Ceremony look like in your village. Will you celebrate with a happy hour?
Have you decorated your community centre with the Green and Gold or transform the activity room into a Parisian paradise! Adorn the space with large cardboard cutouts of iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Cathedral of Notre Dame, and Arc De Triomphe. Create French-themed shopfronts and hang travel posters on the walls. Don’t forget to include the Olympic rings logo and a makeshift podium for medal ceremonies.
Get involved by holding your village Mini Olympic Games
Create your own mini Olympic Games Day.
Set up different activities within you facility, have your residents dress in some form of active wear clothing or your countries colours.
Games ideas:
- Basketball hoop
- Bean bag toss/twister
- Volleyball with balloons
- Bowling
- Balloon squash/tennis
- Egg & spoon races
- Mini golf
- Toss the Khyber
- Quirky quoits
- Cup stacking
- Carpet bowls
- Olympic trivia
![](https://thedcminstitute.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/village-olympics.jpg)
Award Medals to the winners. Ensure that everyone receives at least one or two medals to keep as souvenirs.
Encourage residents to watch sporting events on TV and keep them informed of their country’s progress in the medal count.
Keep the Parisian spirit alive with daily French-themed events, including a French Quiz, Armchair Travel to Paris, French High Tea, French cooking sessions, and French language lessons.
Will you be arranging a Closing Ceremony will this be open bar with speciality drinks for each country or the winning country? Where you announce the top-performing teams and thank everyone for their participation.
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