Day 1 highlights from across Canada.

 

Day 1 – Opening Ceremony & Walk and Roll
Auburn Heights Retirement Residence
At Auburn Heights we had 40 walkers making the trek, putting themselves to the test to see what their final distance would be. We had 3 divisions of walkers, mobility walkers, fast walkers and intermediate. The fast walkers made all 5 floors and stairs lead by Ms. M. and Mrs. L. Memory care did both the first and second floors. The hallways were filled with echoing noise as the residents walked down the halls using their bangers. “Music and Motion will keep us alive “– Her Honour Lt. Governor Lois Mitchell.

Lewis Estates Retirement Residence
At Lewis Estates Retirement Residence, we had 130 walkers making the trek with many of our residents walking the halls 2 times. The residents challenged themselves to do much more than they usually would! It was great to see everyone getting into it, including the volunteers and staff cheering and banging their thunder sticks for the residents! We had the honour of having MLA Jon Carson and All Seniors Care Sr. VP of Operations Josh Kuhl taking part in our Opening Ceremony. Regional VP, Sandy Lauder helped lead the residents in singing “My Way”. They applauded her in the end for helping them! Mrs. J. exclaimed: “I love this song “My Way”, it reminds me so much of my late husband.” She teared up while everyone was singing.

Laurel Heights Retirement Residence
At Laurel Heights, we had 78 walkers including Mr. O. “TINY” (he’s 6’5) walk all 4 floors 3 times which is just another example of the enthusiasm the residents here at Laurel Heights have towards the Games. Building pride is running high here this week. We had the daughter of one of our assistant/athletes, Mr. B., who is producing a documentary on the importance of music in everyone’s daily lives, join at the last minute. With the Games officially open everyone at Laurel Heights is looking forward to the week ahead of competition. You can feel the excitement in the air! Our Chef de Mission Marjory Fairbridge, helping us for the third year in a row, and being a prominent athlete she observed that “hopefully things go ‘My Way’ during competitions”.

Rutherford Heights Retirement Residence
At Rutherford Heights, we had 110 walkers and it was a photo finish for who completed the 4 floor walk & roll first, truly a race to the finish. In all it was a fun day for both the competitors and residents spectators. We has 10 residents who finished the walk & roll so fast, they went up and completed it backwards for fun. Athletes and Volunteers were joined at the Opening ceremony by Bryan Anderson, Edmonton City Councillor (Councillor Anderson has attended all 7 opening ceremonies for Rutherford Heights), Edmonton Southwest MLA Thomas Dang, Joshua Kuhl, ASC Senior Executive Vice-President of Operations, Sandy Lauder, ASC Director of Operations – Western Canada and Trish Green, Senior Executive Director. Our Chef de Mission exclaimed “the 2016 Senior Games are now declared open – everyone break a leg… but not really we need to walk.”

Summerwood Village Retirement Residence
At Summerwood Village, we had 40 residents walking all 4 hallways to see what their final distance would be. The facility is vibrant with energy as the Summerwood Team joined with the residents’ in celebration of the 7th Annual Senior Games at All Seniors Care. The Strathcona County Mayor led the festivities in her “Blue Suede Shoes”. Fire Fighters manned the volunteer tables and created excitement to reach each new level. Two residents who have never danced at Summerwood previously were on their feet dancing away. For one resident it was his first time dancing ever! Athletes and Volunteers were joined at the Opening ceremony by Roxanne Carr, Strathcona County Mayor; Vic Bidinski, County Councillor; Dave Anderson, County Councillor; and Carla Howatt, County Councillor all of whom participated in congratulating the winning athletes on their performances. With the Games officially open the residents burst into song as they walked the hallways – singing the songs posted along the walk. Great discussions and memories on the pictures and songs!

Preston Park I Retirement residence
At Preston Park Retirement Residence, we had 65 eager new residents join in for a fun walk and roll. Our Chef de Mission, Lenora Schmidt was walking laps with the U of S Football players and came down with a total of 14 walking stickers. Our residents love the power of the song theme this year and broke out in a group effort to “Hail, Hail the gangs all here”. Preston Park had a full house with many exciting dignitaries and VIP’s joining our amazing athletes were joined by Mayor Don Atchison; MLA Corey Tochor and the University of Saskatchewan Husky’s Football Team. With the Games officially open everyone is looking forward to a week of healthy, competitive games and seeing who wins the medals! After walking the halls with the U of S Husky Football team Edie Randall said with a big grin on her face “Wow! These are some good looking guys! One got down on his knees and was still just as tall as me.”

Preston Park II Retirement Residence
At Preston Park 2, we had 31 walkers making the trek, putting themselves to the test to see what their final distance would be. We had Mr. S. walk all 4 floors 4 times which is just another example of the preparation the residents here at Preston Park II have made for the Games. The residents entered into the coffee lounge after their walk and started singing before the opening ceremony and ended the ceremonies by singing. The Vibe was contagious and everyone “was in the mood.” Athletes and Volunteers were joined at the Opening ceremony by Cory Tochor MLA, Mayor Don Atchison, who participated in congratulating the winning athletes on their performances. with the Games officially open everyone at Preston Park 2 is looking forward to the week ahead of competition. Iona Thoen exclaimed: “The gangs all here!

College Park I Retirement residence
At College Park Retirement Residence, we had 84 walkers making the trek with many walkers setting out early in order to be able to stop and acknowledge everybody’s favourite song! St. Augustine School tended to our water tables and cheered on our athletes! Athletes and Volunteers were joined at the Opening ceremony by community, business and government dignitaries who participated in congratulating the winning athletes on their performances. Mark Docherty, Minister of Parks, Culture, and Sport with the Games officially open everyone at College Park Retirement Residence is looking forward to the week ahead of competition. You can feel the excitement in the air!

College Park II Retirement residence
At College Park II, we had over 50 walkers including Sister Veronica Hager who walked all 4 floors 2 times. Building pride is running high here this week!! One resident stated “It was great exercise!!” Another stated “woah this was so much fun and I’m glad I didn’t miss it!!” Athletes and Volunteers were joined at the Opening ceremony by Mr. Gene Makowsky, MLA who participated in congratulating the winning athletes on their performances. Ivan exclaimed “I woke up in the middle of the night remembering the lyrics to “My Way”, I had to get up and write them out!”

Victoria Landing Retirement residence
At Victoria Landing we had 81 walkers led by Mrs. C. who at 99 years old walked all 4 floors taking small rests in between, which is just another example of the enthusiasm the residents here at Victoria Landing have towards the Games. Resident Mrs. S. was teary eyed and stated “I can’t believe that I am part of such a wonderful occasion!” Athletes and Volunteers were joined at the Opening ceremony by MLA Drew Caldwell, Mayor, Rick Chrest and Chief of Police, Ian Grant who participated in congratulating the winning athletes on their performances. With the Games officially open everyone at Victoria Landing is looking forward to the week ahead of competition. You can feel the excitement in the air! Resident Mr. M. stated “I can’t believe this is all for us!” “It is going to be a great week doing it our VL way!”

Sturgeon Creek I Retirement residence
At Sturgeon Creek I, we were ready to go bright and early this morning with 87 residents down at 9:00 am walking all four floors. With the Winnipeg Police, WSO, and The Honorable Pearl McGonigal and Jon Einarson from the Grace Hospital Foundation handing out our coloured floor stickers at our water tables. Residents were highly motivated by such great guests! Residents were eager to sing along to our entertainer helping make the early morning walk a great success. Voices could be heard throughout the building. Athletes and Volunteers were joined at the Opening ceremony by Premier Selinger, MLA Sharon Blady, Winnipeg Police Assistant to the Chief of Police Dave Thorne and Inspector Cam Baldwin, Pat Younger from the WRHA and Amy Wolf from the WSO all of whom participated in congratulating the winning athletes on their performances. When asked this morning if he was excited for the Games to begin Mr. T. said “You bet I’ve been up ready since 4:00 am.”

Sturgeon Creek II Retirement residence
At Sturgeon Creek II we had 47 walkers making the trek, putting themselves to the test to see what their final distance would be. Our walking assistant, Mrs. K., celebrated her 100th birthday last October and still managed to lead the walkers on the journey throughout the building. She says, “Walking helps to keep me active still and has always been one of my favorite ways of keeping fit”. Participants came out, and joined in the fun, with canes, walkers and wheelchairs!!! It was an awesome parade!!! One wheelchair bound tenant was surprised he could participate in his chair. When encouraged to do so, his emphatic response was “Where do I sign up?” Athletes were joined at the Opening ceremony by ASC COO Lily Goodman, Tricia Charles VP of Operations, Premier Greg Selinger, MLA Sharon Blady and Inspector Jamie Blunden, Winnipeg Police who participated in congratulating the winning athletes on their performances. Games Theme is “The Power of The Song” and the tenants of SC II performed superbly when singing “My Way”, accompanied by Frank Sinatra. One participant commented, “That song will never be the same again—and I rather like it now!!!”

Seine River Retirement Residence
At Seine River Retirement Residence, we had 75 walkers with Mr and Mrs V. walking all 4 floors 5 times which is just another example of the enthusiasm the residents here at Seine River Retirement have towards the Games. Building pride is running high and new friendships are being made with people we don’t normally see to come out and take part! Our accordion player took requests, walked the halls and got EVERYONE involved. The Power of Song was sure at work! Athletes and Volunteers were joined at the Opening ceremony by City Councilor Brian Mayes, Inspector Jamie Blunden & the Wpg Police & Cadets, Peter Chura (Manitoba Liberal candidate for Seine River), and Donna Korade,( Misericordia Hospital Foundation) all of whom participated in congratulating the winning athletes on their performances. With the Games officially open everyone at Seine River Retirement is looking forward to the week ahead of competition. You can feel the excitement in the air! “I love the walk, it allows me to chase the ladies, and no one gets mad” – Mr B.

River Ridge I Retirement residence
At River Ridge we had 127 walkers and rollers making the trek, putting themselves to the test to see what their final distance would be. The morning kicked off with 2 sold out showings of our TED Talk and lineups to take part in our Tune-time Trivia! Mrs. G. came out of the theatre stating, “It’s all in your attitude! And I’ve got plenty!!” Athletes and Volunteers were joined at the Opening ceremony by Lily Goodman, COO All Seniors Care, Tricia Charles, ASC VP of Operations, Deanne Crothers MLA, Inspector Kostchuk – Winnipeg Police Service District 3, Frankie Hollywood – morning show host with Energy 106, Kelly Butler- Former NFL, Former Winnipeg Blue Bomber and Edmonton Eskimo player Eddie Steele who joined in encouraging the athletes to go for personal bests. It was a race to see who could out-sing each other! Mr M. serenaded with These Boots Were Made for Walkin’, while Mrs W. responded with My Way, and then Mrs. G. rolled away the winner as she got a few ladies around her singing Shake Rattle and Roll exclaiming; “It’s what I sound like in the morning.”

Shaftesbury Park Retirement Residence
We had Riley the dog and Daisy the cat in All Seniors Care Senior Games style leading off our 94 residents during the Non-Competitive Walk and Roll in their matching t-shirts at Shaftesbury Park! Our residents were laughing and smiling and showing just how full of surprises we always are here! Mrs. R. made record time completing all 3 floors at Shaftesbury Park this morning! She couldn’t wait to get to the bottom and tell us all just how quick she had been today. When we asked her where her husband had gone she told us she left him on the third floor because he was just “dragging her down”. He came trailing down about 20 minutes later. Athletes and Volunteers were joined at the Opening ceremony by MLA Cliff Gradyon, City Councillor Marty Morantz, Winnipeg Police Staff Sergeant Ron Johannsson, and Frankie Hollywood, DJ, Energy 106.1. With City Councillor Marty Morantz taking the opportunity to mention how we all have songs that bring back beautiful memories. His song was “Time in a Bottle” and took the time to read the lyrics and brought tears to the eyes of our tenants.

McCarthy Place Retirement Residence
At McCarthy Place this was our first year participating in the Walk & Roll, and our 39 walkers had a good chuckle that they were going to roll around on the floor. Pan American medalist, Debra Hemstock displayed her medals from the Pan Am Games this past August which helped build enthusiasm that the residents are experiencing towards the Games. Building pride is running high here this week. We were treated to a very special visit by Her Honour Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor General of Ontario and MPP Randy Pettapiece. Our ceremony ended with former opera singer and current McCarthy Place resident Michelle Di Gangi, giving an amazing performance of ‘My Way’.

Cedarcroft Place Retirement Residence
At Cedarcroft Place, we had 47 walkers making the trek, putting themselves to the test to see what their final distance would be. Residents who finished walking and rolling the halls quickly lined up to cheer on the ones that had not quite finished yet. Resident Mrs. H. stated that “it is not only a week of friendly competition but a week to cheer on all of our friends for trying their very best.” When resident Mr. K. received all the coloured stickers for walking all three floors he stated, “This time tomorrow you will see a gold medal beside these stickers!” Athletes were joined at the Opening ceremony by Mr. Randy Pettapiece, MPP for Perth-Wellington and Ms. Hannah Sommerville, ASC Director of Resident Programming who participated in encouraging our athletes on their fun filled week ahead. Resident Mrs. K. stated that “Music is a language of its own, it makes people feel, live, and relate regardless of where you are in the world or what language you speak”

Beacon Heights Retirement Residence
At Beacon Heights we had about 30 walkers start on the 6th floor and went down to the first floor…some residents used the stairs down between floors and others using elevator…Most of our residents walked the floors. Hurray! Hurray! When City Counselor Tierny threw the first bocce ball it went very close to the pallina, stopped and then started rolling back towards him…Good laugh was enjoyed by all!!Piper Graham Ogilvie lead the parade to the dining room, Counselor Tierny, Lt Col Gowdy, Dianne Hartson-Lalonde (ED), Hélène Gravelle (Chef de Mission), and assistants Mrs Claire Roussy and Florence Synnet and me(Renée Poirier) followed. Letter from the office of the Minister Responsible for Seniors Affairs, Mr Mario Sergio was read.
The games were declared opened and our musician Mr. André Gareau kept us entertained during our meal. The food was marvelous, thanks to Chef Markus!

Chapel Hill Retirement Residence
At Chapel Hill Retirement Residence, we had 35 residents and volunteers and a few special guests walk the halls so fast that they had to start dancing to kill time until the opening ceremony started! Everyone had a great time! When our Entertainers Tony and Cathy began to sing “BOOT SCOOTIN BOOGIE” we started an impromptu line dancing dance off! The Residents loved our bag piper and entertainment! We were so fortunate to be joined by: City Councillor Jodi Mitic, Assistant Chef for Wii Bowling Norman Macpherson, Assistant Chef for Bocce Marion Kelly, Assistant Chef for Walking/ Bridge Betty Macpherson, Assistant Chef for Wii Golf Patricia Garland, Assistant Chef for Sandbags Madeleine Nadeau, Assistant Chef for Shuffle Board Bob Langis, and Assistant Chef for Billiards Ray Ball. With the Games official open the Residents are very much looking forward to start earning some Medals!!!! “With Music and Fun like this I just can’t stop dancing”-Mme Lacroix Resident

Residence de la Gappe – Phase 1
At Résidence de la Gappe phase 1, we had 26 walkers making the trek, putting themselves to the test to see what their final distance would be. Mrs. B. who is in a wheelchair really enjoy being the pom-pom girl for her first walk as a resident! Residents who participated in the march this morning have exceeded their limit by making several floors. Athletes and Volunteers were joined at the Opening ceremony by Monsieur Gilles Carpentier, City Counsellor, Monsieur Marc Carrière, Chapleau Deputy and Madame Claire Gagnon, Mission Chief in declaring the Games officially open everyone at Résidence de la Gappe, Phase 1.

Residence de la Gappe – Phase 2
At Résidence de la Gappe phase 2, we had 37 walkers walking with the thunder sticks and singing O’ Canada. Monsieur Gilles Carpentier, City Counsellor, Monsieur Marc Carrière, Chapleau Deputy, M. Roch St-Amour Mission Chief, Assistant Chantal Lheureux, Nathalie Lalonde, Claire Beaudoin et Julie Turpin declared the Games officially open everyone at Résidence de la Gappe, Phase 2. After the singing of O’ Canada during the speech our residents sang all of the songs of the games, so sweet!!!

Residence de la Gappe – Phase 3&4
At Residence de la Gappe (phases 3 &4), we had 60-75 walkers with many walking all 4 hallways, 5 times which is just another example of the enthusiasm the residents here at Résidence de la Gappe have towards the Games. Building pride is running high here this week. Mrs. B. and her friends were so proud of themselves for completing all of the halls 5 times they danced and laughed to the songs of our entertainer Paul Marcoux.”Athletes and Volunteers were joined at the Opening ceremony by Monsieur Marc Carrière-Conté de Chapleau, Parti Libérale du Québec, Monsieur Gilles Carpentier, Conseiller de la Ville de Gatineau, District de l’Hôpital. You can feel the excitement in the air! “Our résidents followed up singing O’ Canada with `Comme D’ Habitude by Claude François”. We had M. C. sing `Lady in Red`, his favourite song, to Mme. H., one of our lady residents. It sure made her happy and was quite a great surprise to all!! Indeed a most rewarding day full of love, laughter and laughs….