STRONGER, HIGHER, FASTER,TOGETHER

The Olympic motto is stronger, higher, faster, together and the sentiments of those words were carried out this past week by the Olympians of the Christchurch and Wimborne Circuit.

Holiday at Home, an event day for those of a slightly mature age, took place at Ringwood, Verwood and Blandford with all the attendees entering into the spirit of the Olympic games by competing in age related sports activities that not only challenged their ability but created enormous fun.

Armed with Passports for recording their activity/scores the athletes were now ready to participate in the swimming, the hurdles, the long jump, the shotput, basketball, shooting, discus, golf, and javelin. Who would have thought that a pool noodle could become a winning javelin.

The morning session was all about the individual and the scores they could accumulate for their team either blue, yellow, red, green or black (the colours of the Olympic rings) whilst the afternoon session was all about working together as a team to complete a variety of task in the limited time available.

So, with the gauntlet thrown down each team prepared themselves to tackle the following: building the tallest Eiffel Tower using spaghetti and blue tac; decorating fairy cakes; completing a colouring sheet; and making the official mascot for the 2024 Paris Olympics – The Phryges (pronounced "FREE-jes").

For those athletes who preferred to use their brain power rather than their craft skills there was a quiz, a wordsearch, a crossword, a True or False sheet majoring on their particular town, a word scramble and finally how many different words of varying letters could be made from the letters of Olympic Games.

The day began with coffee and biscuits and an icebreaker; a delicious meal was served at lunchtime enabling those gathered time to enjoy each other's company over good food and at the end of the day there was tea and cake at the closing ceremony.

Just like the real Olympics there were prizes to be presented and the Mayors of Ringwood and Blandford and the Rev Nick Wood from Verwood came along to do the honours. As competitors they could do no more, they had given their all for their team and from first to last all deserved praise.

After what had been an excellent but exhausting day folk headed homewards for some rest and relaxation.

But before the final goodbyes were said sincere thanks were offered to all the willing volunteers who had made the day so special by the giving of their time and talents.

For Jackie (Families and Children's worker at Ringwood) and most definitely the ideas lady as well as the IT wizard and myself (Pastoral Assistant to the Minister at Blandford) it proved to be three wonderful days. We witnessed God's people gathered in God's house, sharing fun, friendship and fellowship.

Would we do it again? Yes, we would. So, if you have enjoyed reading about what we got up to, perhaps next time we could come to your church. Joyce