Sochi, Russia was not the only place people were attempting to prove who was fastest and strongest in February. Parkview Place in Unity, SK, held their own Olympic Games the week of Feb. 17.

To open the games, Victoria McCubbing, 100-years-plus, carried the torch into the common area, escorted by Cst. Tufts dressed in his formal RCMP red serge uniform. The torch “burned” bright all week.

Instead of representing countries, residents were divided into two teams – North Parkview and South Parkview. North Parkview was the overall winner with 349 points at the end of the week, to South Parkview’s 318.

The “Olympic flame” burns brightly in the lobby at Parkview Place Feb. 20. Residents seen in the background are competing in carpet bocci.

There were six events, spread out over the week. Parkview Place manager, Sharon Del Frari described them: “Bean bag baseball was very challenging. Extra points for a home run (5) and 2 points for getting the opposing team’s player ‘out’ and 1 point per base. Next was carpet bocci, harder than it sounds. Ladder toss went over very well. Over the weekend was puzzle building. Each team had a 1,000 piece puzzle to do. South Parkview managed to finish their’s by 9 a.m. on Monday morning!”

Two walking events bookended the week, one Feb. 17 and one Feb. 24. Extra points were given for using the treadmill and for walking outside.

RCMP Cst. Macdonald attended the closing ceremonies Feb. 24, which included a medal presentation, cake and coffee.

Despite the cold and snow, Parkview residents were able to get together to enjoy some new challenges, camaraderie and exercise, and now they even all have Olympic medals to show for it!