Bragging rights on the line at Whangārei Rest Home Olympics

A serious game of Noodle Hockey between the Caregivers teams with Julie Smith remonstrates with the unofficial goalie of the opposing team at the Whangārei Rest Home Olympics.

Some of Northland's oldest residents went for gold this week in the Whangārei Rest Home Olympics.

There were no judging controversies or world records broken, but the competition was just as fierce as the real thing at ASB Stadium, Kensington, Whangārei, on Thursday.

Residents from several rest homes gathered to compete in a series of games and activities, with trophies and bragging rights up for grabs.

Activities included balloon volleyball, noodle hockey, tenpin bowling, force ball (a spin on soccer) and plenty more.

Seventeen resthomes took part, including two from Dargaville, in the games, which were a collaboration between the Whangārei District Council's Positive Ageing Advisory Group and the rest homes.

The oldest competitor was Ella Bayes, aged 104.

Northern Advocate

photographer John Stone went along to capture the action and triumphs.

Caregivers Rebecca Williams, left and Christina Marsh took their big green hair along to the event.

Caregivers, from left, Julie Smith, Debbie Bond and Jemma Bond.

One-hundred-and-four year old Ella Bayes, who was born on the 8th of May 1914, enjoyed the competition at the Rest Home Olympics.

Whangārei mayor Sheryl Mai, left in red, took part in the Noodle Hockey at ASB Stadium on Thursday.

Good friends Doris May Smith and John Meorey at the Rest Home Olympics.