Benson House Summer Sports Day Brings Smiles All Round
When Wellbeing Coordinator, Lauren, suggested a Summer Sports Day at Benson House for the team, residents and their families, no-one imagined just how much fun it would be!
It’s been a long, hot summer so far and Lauren felt that both residents and team members needed a fun afternoon – something that would bring the staff and residents closer together and most importantly, make the residents happy.
Planning, Props and a Shady Viewing Area
The Benson House Sports Day is an annual event and always brings back memories of school sports days. Like those action-packed afternoons, when the highlight of someone’s school year could be winning the egg and spoon race, the Benson version often reveals a competitive streak or two!
Having selected Friday 31st June as the date, Lauren got to work. The schedule was planned, races promoted for sign up - for residents and staff - and all the props were acquired, with everything sports day themed, even the plates and the bunting.
When the big day arrived, the sun shone brightly but the team had cleverly arranged a viewing area for residents where they could watch all the activities from comfy chairs in a lovely shady spot. Meanwhile, the participants were allocated teams - red, blue and yellow – so that the eventual winner would be the result of teamwork.
Sack Race Kicks Off an Afternoon of Fun and Games
At 2.30pm, everyone was on their marks for the first race of the day – the ever-popular sack race which saw Zusanna come storming up to win from way back in the field. It was a great way to start the afternoon and resident Jill said she hadn’t laughed so much in a long while. “Watching the carers jumping in the sack race made me cry with laughter”, she exclaimed!
Residents got in on the action with Mauren, Janet and Grace all taking part in the 3-legged race, attached to staff members. There was also great teamwork on display in a very competitive wheelchair egg and spoon race and in a break from the physical activity, staff entered a cake eating competition – judged on speed! Alongside the ‘competition cake’, chef had provided refreshments and a delicious finger buffet to keep everyone’s strength up – just as well, with the tug of war to come. It was everyone’s favourite event, especially the residents who loved it when the teams fell over. There was laughter all round which showed that everyone had fully embraced the spirit of the day!
Red Team Win a Joyful Competition
At the end of a thrilling and entertaining afternoon, the red team were crowned winners. It was a hugely enjoyable event for residents, and also for the staff. Brittany said it was amazing fun, Lauren said it was her best day at work ever, and Diane said it was a very funny day that reminded her of school sports days.
And so, the Benson House Sports Day 2026 was declared a huge success, with the combination of sunshine, fresh air, friendly competition and camaraderie, bringing joy – and a good night’s sleep! – to all involved.
Discover Comfort, Compassion and Community at Benson House Care Home
Our purpose-built luxury care home, Benson House in Wallingford, provides residents with high-quality nursing, residential and dementia care on both permanent and short-stay basis. Benson House is centred around our residents, their needs and their wishes.
With various social lounges, a cinema room, bistro area and hairdressing salon, there’s plenty to keep residents engaged.
For more details about the care we offer, visit our Nursing Care and Residential Care pages. Learn more about our specialised Dementia Care. Call us today to arrange a tour or for more information on 01491 523 703.
