THE INTER-SCHEME OLYMPICS You are never too old to win a gold medal! Elaine Penton Lin Liz

WHY DID WE NEED THE OLYMPICS? Traditional scheme activities no longer enough Major changes in service delivery taking place We wanted to encourage schemes to interact and work together We needed to maximise the use of our communal rooms

HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN? A darts match and then a bright idea!

SO!!! WHAT ARE THE INTER-SCHEME OLYMPICS ? THEY DON’T INCLUDE Pole vaultingTriple jumping AND……. They don’t involve dangerous sports…yet! Gymnastics

OLYMPIC EVENTS INCLUDE: Tallest Sunflower Cake Decorating PaintingDarts Short story or Poem Photography Team Quiz

An Olympic Committee of tenants and staff Open to all sheltered and extra care tenants regardless of any disability Individuals can be supported to take part where appropriate The whole of Mendip Housing are involved in the judging A Presentation and Medal Ceremony is held annually and the Challenge Trophy is awarded to the winning scheme. HOW DOES IT ALL WORK?

Everyone was able to contribute to their scheme’s points total just by entering People were encouraged and supported by their neighbours to ‘have a go’ for the sake of their scheme sometimes with amazing results It wasn’t unusual to have Olympic gold medallists in their 90s! WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Poetry and short story book Calendar Recipe book? AND LOOKING FORWARD…. Include the wider community? Challenge other Housing Providers to join in Encourage volunteering Listen and prepare to be amazed! EVEN MORE BENEFITS?

In the beginning our objectives had been simple – to introduce something which would generate optimism, inspire and engage our tenants during a time of great change locally and nationally But as time went on we realised that this helped some individuals combat their feelings of social isolation and loss of identity enabling them to make a positive contribution to their scheme’s success MOST IMPORTANTLY WE ALL HAD FUN!! WHAT DID WE LEARN?

LAST WORDS FROM OUR TENANTS “I get huge enjoyment out of it” “I’ve lived next door to him for 20 years and never knew he could draw like that!” “We’ve started an Art Group on our scheme and we’re aiming at the October Olympic art event” “We helped our neighbour by giving her some card and decorations and she was able to enter the Christmas card competition and get us some more points…” “It’s helped us all, given us an interest, we’re learning all the time”