The Glenridge: Let the games begin

The Glendridge member Nancy Brisky made sure to stay late Tuesday night to watch team USA earn gold medals in swimming and gymnastics. 

“I’m not getting to bed until 1 a.m. these nights,” Brisky said.

She’s been closely watching the games with her favorite events being tennis and equestrian events. 

But Brisky is herself a champion but in The Glenridge Senior Olympics. She placed first overall for the beanbag toss Monday, Aug. 8.

Fitness Center Manager Andre LeClair coordinated games and activities for residents to participate in with the inspiration of the Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

“We have a series of events that where designed so you can compete without having a lot of physical prowess,” LeClair said. 

The events kicked off with an opening ceremony complete with an Olympic torch walk/run on Friday, Aug. 12. 

Member Dr. Edward Feldman had the honor of lighting the torch as other members carried the Olympic rings around the property.

The events include “trashketball,” a beanbag toss, health or Olympic trivia, a tennis shot contest, darts and mini-golf. In lieu of a medal ceremony, competitors are awarded with an hour or half hour of message sessions at the fitness center for gold and silver and a free meal for bronze. 

On Wednesday morning members signed up for the remote control car race. LeClair set up a course for participants to pilot a remote control car through. Competitors had two laps to complete with obstacles like ramps, speed bumps and a curtain of chains. 

“This activity tests cognition,” LeClair said. “They’re having to work their left and right thumbs at the same time to steer the car.”