Loveland, Colo. — When the Winter Olympics kicked off this year, one skilled nursing community decided its residents deserved their own shot at glory.
Good Samaritan Society – Loveland Village held its second Olympic-inspired competition for residents, drawing on the momentum of a Summer Games event it hosted two years ago. The result was a celebration of movement, laughter, and connection — and it came together for under $100.
“We wanted to make sure we were doing things that were fun and unique,” said Julie Hoponick, supervisor of therapy and rehabilitation at the campus. “We wanted to make sure it was something people would get really excited about.”
The team landed on three events: chair hockey, curling with Frisbees, and a “walk and roll” biathlon. Most of the supplies were left over from the previous competition, keeping costs minimal. Medals were handcrafted on a cutting machine by a resident. The grand prizes? Boxes of Milano cookies.
An Opening Ceremony Worth the Wait
This year’s games opened with a torch-lighting ceremony featuring 90-something resident Moyn Johnson, a 12-year campus veteran chosen for her infectious enthusiasm. Johnson waited in the hallway for about 20 minutes — torch in hand — to avoid spoiling her grand entrance.
The pregame playlist set the tone: the theme from Rocky, Whitney Houston’s “One Moment in Time,” and enough energy to get residents fired up before the first event.
“When we started the biathlon, one of the residents wheeled up next to another, smiled at her, and said, ‘I’m going to beat you,'” recalled Activities Supervisor Whitney Kissel. “It was fun but also very competitive — which was great, because they don’t often get a chance to compete anymore.”
More Than Just Fun
For the team at Loveland Village, the games served a purpose beyond entertainment. The event brought together residents from across different service lines — people who live near each other but don’t always interact.
“We strive very hard to promote a culture of inclusivity across those service lines,” said community programs manager Erin Andre. “Every chance we get, we want to pair people up with those who have like-minded interests, regardless of their ability.”
The impact lingered well after the closing ceremony. A resident stopped Hoponick days later to reflect on how much it meant to watch everyone come alive and get involved.
“He noticed how much it brought people out of their shells,” she said.
Industry reports have increasingly highlighted the link between social engagement and better outcomes for older adults in care settings. Events like these don’t just lift spirits — they support cognitive and physical health in ways that are difficult to replicate through clinical programming alone.
The campus is already eyeing another competition. And next time, they’ll make sure to stock up on Milano cookies.
