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Residents Go for the Gold at Mountain View Manor’s Winter Olympic Snowball Shot Put Event
February is Recreational Therapy Month, and residents at Mountain View Manor (MVM) celebrated in a lively and meaningful way with their very own Olympic Winter Games. The long term care facility at the Delta Hospital Campus of Care transformed the month into a festive series of events inspired by the excitement residents experienced during the 2024 Summer Olympics. From February 6 to 22, residents are participating in a lineup of winter themed activities designed to spark joy, connection, and friendly competition.
The celebration began on February 6 with an opening ceremony that set the tone for the weeks ahead. One resident led the procession by carrying a handmade Olympic torch while others waved Canadian flags and cheered. The first event of the games was the Olympic Snowball Shot Put Toss. Thirteen residents took turns throwing soft, cotton like snowballs through colourful Olympic rings. Each ring was worth a different number of points, giving every resident the opportunity to test their aim and enjoy the thrill of the challenge. According to Program Coordinator Lisa Diver, the event was a success. “I believe the event went very well for it being a new activity for the residents and for us as a team to facilitate,” she said. “Afterward I did hear from residents that they enjoyed it.”
A key focus of the planning process was ensuring that the activity was accessible and comfortable for all residents, including those living with dementia, Alzheimer’s or physical disabilities. Lisa explained that therapeutic recreation always considers success and enjoyment first. “When providing people with dementia or physical disabilities recreation activities, we must always take into account what activities are generally successful,” she shared. “We always allow for adaptation for each resident depending on need and capabilities. We try to not overcomplicate an activity.”
The event also brought moments of delight and surprise. One highlight was the impressive performance by Mountain View Manor’s oldest resident, whose throws were the most accurate of the day. “It did surprise us that the oldest resident in MVM had the best aim, which is a testimony to her longevity and well being,” Lisa shared. Although the team usually anticipates how residents will engage based on their personalities, this moment stood out. “We know which ones are more serious and competitive and those who are more fun loving,” Lisa said. “Their behaviors are generally consistent throughout all activities, so we do not usually have many surprises.”
Beyond the fun, the event was rooted in meaningful and intentional therapeutic benefits. Lisa highlighted how the Snowball Shot Put Toss supported the whole person, saying, “It supports most areas of well being. Therapeutic Recreation theory looks at the person as a whole.” She noted that the activity encouraged social interaction, emotional support, physical engagement, spiritual connection and cognitive stimulation. “It provides shared experiences in community with others, opportunities for turn taking and fair play. It maintains gross motor skills, hand eye coordination and listening skills. It also provides emotional support through engagement, camaraderie, and a sense of achievement.”
The Olympic Snowball Shot Put Toss was the perfect start to Mountain View Manor’s month long celebration, setting the stage for weeks filled with joy, laughter, and heartwarming moments that capture the spirit of Recreational Therapy Month. This celebration would not be possible without the creativity, dedication and compassion of the Recreational Therapy team, whose efforts continue to enrich the lives of residents every day.
