Unleashing the Spirit of Competition: Lewisburg's Geri-Olympics Redefine Senior Athleticism

In a remarkable display of resilience and determination, the residents of Lewisburg Healthcare Center and surrounding facilities have taken the Olympic spirit to new heights, participating in the inaugural "Geri-Olympics." This innovative event, inspired by the upcoming Paris Olympics, has given these senior athletes a chance to showcase their skills and embrace the thrill of competition.

Empowering Seniors to Reach New Heights

Embracing the Olympic Spirit

The Geri-Olympics were the brainchild of the admissions director at Lewisburg Healthcare Center, who recognized the need to provide residents with a more active and engaging experience during the Olympic Games. Rather than simply watching the events unfold, these seniors were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports, from basketball and ax throwing to target shooting and wheelchair racing.The response from the CommuniCare family of companies was overwhelmingly positive, with facilities eagerly signing up to take part in the inaugural Geri-Olympics. "They were all in. They thought it was a great idea. Nobody hesitated; it was a go from the start," remarked Christie Robinson, the admissions director at Lewisburg Healthcare Center.

Unleashing Competitive Spirits

The Geri-Olympics offered residents a chance to rekindle their competitive spirits and relive the glory days of their youth. One wheelchair racer, Terry Mansheim from the Seneca Trail Healthcare Center, shared her excitement, "It's good, and you'd be surprised, you can move all over in these things… And I've Crocs on; they're rubber shoes. I feel like that's cheating, but you can dig in and just cut the curves."For these residents, the games were more than just a physical challenge; they were an opportunity to connect with new people, spend time outside their facilities, and most importantly, have fun. "It's an amazing thing to see so many people enjoy themselves that normally they don't have the opportunity to do. So, come out and root them on," said Shannon Sims, a resident of the Lewisburg Healthcare Center and a basketball player in the Geri-Olympics.

Fostering Community Engagement

The Geri-Olympics were not just a showcase of senior athleticism; they also brought the community together. The Greenbrier East High School Football Team volunteered their time to assist with the various events, demonstrating the power of intergenerational collaboration."The more volunteers, the better," said Robinson, encouraging others to get involved in the future. This community engagement not only enriched the experience for the residents but also fostered a sense of unity and support that extended beyond the confines of the healthcare facilities.

Establishing a Lasting Legacy

Despite being the first of its kind, the Geri-Olympics have already captured the hearts and imaginations of the participants and organizers alike. Robinson expressed the hope to continue these games even after the Paris Olympics have concluded, allowing each facility to take a turn at the traveling trophy and giving residents something to look forward to year after year.The Geri-Olympics have proven that age is no barrier to athletic achievement and that the spirit of competition can transcend generations. As the world prepares to witness the grandeur of the Paris Olympics, Lewisburg's senior athletes have shown that they too can rise to the occasion, inspiring others to embrace the joy of physical activity and the camaraderie of friendly competition.