Chester care home enjoys a day of sport with the local community

With the Olympics in full swing, a local care home decided to host their own version of the sporting tournament.

Residents and team members at Care UK’s Deewater Grange, on Chester Road, brought Paris to Chester when they opened their doors for local people to enjoy their version of the Games. 

The event came as Deewater Grange joined The Big Care UK Sports Day, which saw over 130 Care UK homes across the UK host sports days for the local community and showcase what life in a care home is really like. 

Guests enjoyed an afternoon filled with sporting fun and friendly competition, with the Olympic-themed games and traditional sports day events including egg-and-spoon races, tug of war, darts, and a basketball and football competition. 

Adding to the fun, everyone dressed up in 80s exercise wear and the team wore Lycra, leg warmers and sweat bands. Visitors rounded off the exciting day with a barbeque cooked by the home’s talented head chef, which they enjoyed while listening to 80s music from a traditional jukebox.

Care UK’s Abney Court, Hollins Park, Station House, Oxbow Manor, Pinetum, Paisley Court, Riverside and Oakfield Croft all attended the festivities. Oakfield Croft were crowned the 2024 sports day winners and were presented with the winning plaque during the award ceremony.

Dilly Dodds, aged 80, said: “The day was so much fun, but the egg and spoon race was trickier than I remembered. It’s good to do this type of thing, it keeps me active.”

Sally Cooper, Home Manager at Deewater Grange, said: “It was great to welcome the local community and local Care UK homes to join us for our very special version of the Games.

“The day was filled with laughter and friendly competition for all involved – it’s brought about a fantastic opportunity to rediscover resident’s own sporting history and passion, something we were excited to share with the local community.

“In the spirit of the Olympics, both the residents and local community put their best foot forward as they went head-to-head, with some very close calls in the hunt for medals. Here at Deewater Grange, we encourage residents to live fulfilling lives through regular activities that improve their physical and mental wellbeing – something that sports day certainly did!”

Deewater Grange is a state-of-the-art home which provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care. The home has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, and incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities, including its own café, bar, cinema as well as a hair and beauty salon. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.