Enabling residents to lead fulfilling, long and healthy lives
The only experiences I’ve had with Bocce Ball have been those involving sand, salt water and a lot of sunscreen. Although I’ve never played, I always knew it as a casual “beach game”. Saturday morning, as I pulled into the gravel lot at a Clayton facility, I realized how wrong I am.
I had arrived at the Special Olympics Bocce Ball preliminaries for State playoffs. I see teams grouped together wearing matching shirts, and other individuals in white shirts with large black letters reading “Officials”, accompanied by clipboards, tape measures, and whistles . Officials? I don’t remember seeing officials out in the sun and sand with tape measures.
The surrounding counties are represented by athletes in singles and double matches. I find the Orange County team; in their matching navy blue polo’s, with smiles on their faces. Quickly, I am approached by Colleen Lanigan, Orange County’s Special Olympics Coordinator.
Lanigan is one of fastest movinig and friendliest individuals I’ve ever met. Regardless of how busy she is making sure the athletes know the times of their matches and on which court, she is eager to take me around and introduce me to everyone. All of the athletes shake my hand, introduce themselves, and quickly help me learn the game of bocce. As they explain, I realize bocce ball is much more involved than the ambling beach version I was familiar with.
I find Ken Reid and Richard Williams waiting their turn in the shade, with their water bottles by their side. Reid and Williams are roommates at the Spring Glen Retirement Center, Residential Services Inc.’s retirement community for aging individuals with developmental disabilities. Reid and Williams lived in another RSI house, before Spring Glen opened in 2003. Reid offers me a seat next to him, and the 73-year-old who just celebrated his birthday last week, is eager to chat.
Reid asked me if I have visited Spring Glen, I replied that I had been there last Wednesday to tour. Reid quickly replied, “Oh I wasn’t there, I was busy playing bocce ball,” he pauses, then corrects himself, “Oh, you said Wednesday? Wednesday I was playing golf, Tuesday is bocce ball.” Immediately I am struck by the busy agenda of my new friend.
My surprise and interest don’t end there. Reid tells me that he not only participates in Special Olympics bocce ball and golf, he also enjoys basketball, soccer, softball, playing the Wii after dinner, listening to his record player and watching John Wayne movies. “I like John Wayne, period. He is a tough man”, said Ken. I believe he and John Wayne have more in common than he thinks. He expressed his discontent that his knees no longer allow him to play softball or soccer, but he still goes to every Sunday soccer practice to watch, and cheer on his roommates. Reid also enjoys shooting basketball, and watching his favorite team, Duke.
Reid is not the only star athlete of Spring Glen, he is not even the only star athlete of his suite. Right by his side in the shade sits Williams, who is also extremely active with bocce ball, golf, and soccer. Williams quickly briefed me on his other hobbies which include tennis, track, softball, music and bike riding. As I am scribbling down his many recreational activities, I realize I am in the company of two individuals who despite the challenges of aging with developmental disabilities, are far more active than I am. Admittedly, I was surprised by the spirit of these two strong-willed athletes. These athletes are extremely good at what they do, and they love doing it.
Williams recalled last Sunday’s soccer practice, “Well, soccer I think I’m starting to get really good at. Just this past Sunday I scored 3 goals for our team.” He also described last year’s state playoffs, in which he had to choose between golf and softball, Lanigan adds, “That’s what happens when you play multiple sports.” She also informed me that Richard is no rookie to competition, in 1999 he traveled to the world games for golf.
Because so much of their leisure time is spent with sports and recreation, Reid and Williams were excited that Residential Services Inc. has announced a new building to be added to the Spring Glen site. RSI’s Recreational Activity Center will have its groundbreaking Sunday November 7th, during their annual Pig Pickin’. With the help of Szostack Design, Inc., a renowned Chapel Hill architectural firm, the 3,400 square foot activity center, has an expected completion date of June 2011.
The activity center will boast a half-court gymnasium, an exercise equipment area, a large multi-purpose classroom, a serving area, multiple seating areas and generous bathroom facilities. The facility offers new opportunity to all residents, even those not quite as active as Reid and Williams. For example, the large multi-purpose room provides a space for yoga classes or arts and crafts activities. RSI is extremely excited about the possibilities this new facility brings to the residents. It gives the residents a chance to be more active, involved and of course, to socialize.
One farmer’s tan later, it was finally time for Reid and William’s match. Both played very well with different styles and techniques. While Reid seemed to be more of a risk taker, Williams studied his options and tossed the ball with steady accuracy. It made for a good combination because they beat out the opposing team, 6-8. After the game they high-fived excitedly, shook the opposing teams hands, and turned to me with ear-to-ear grins. I gave them two-thumbs-up. I realized that their new recreational activity center will allow for many more of these moments of triumph. While RSI and Special Olympics provide amazing support enabling the athletes to participate in practices and tournaments, nothing beats having a facility of your own just a few yards away.
We are reminded of the importance of leading a healthy more active lifestyle every day whether we see a flyer, hear a commercial or see someone at the grocery store in their workout gear. Unfortunately, the reality is that providing the opportunity to participate in recreational activity is more difficult for individuals with developmental disabilities. Not only is going to a large gym intimidating but the process of transportation isn’t simple either. Yet many people are unaware of just how important being active is for those with developmental disabilities. Individuals with developmental disabilities, especially in the aging population, are at a significantly higher risk for chronic health issues as well as obesity. One of the main contributing factors to these circumstances, is the somewhat sedentary lifestyle many of these individuals lead. Residential Services Inc., which is known for recognizing the pressing needs of this population and taking action, is making a change.
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