Princess Lodge Senior Games Champions

Residents from Princess Lodge are celebrated athletes.

The second annual Senior Games, which took place over 12 weeks from early September to late December last year, saw residents engage in activities such as javelin throwing, golf, tin can knocking, and dancing. The initiative, managed by Swindon Borough Council's Public Health Team, was run in partnership with Great Western Hospital's NHS Foundation Trust and Wiltshire and Swindon Sport (WASP), who funded the programme. 

The Senior Games are open to all care home residents, including those with dementia. Participants' physical fitness and mobility were assessed throughout the 12 weeks, with the aim of improving their mobility and reducing the likelihood of falls and hospital admissions. The Swindon Senior Games Festival 2025, organised and funded by WASP, was a celebratory event where awards were presented by students from Nova Hreod Academy. Participants also competed in additional sports competitions, including javelin, tin can alley, target throw, and golf putting. 

In total, 102 residents from eight care homes took part. It is estimated that their risk of falling decreased from 62.5 per cent at the start of the games to 40 per cent by the end. Two residents were able to give up their walking aids by the end of the 12 weeks, and one participant was able to wash herself for the first time in several years. 

Princess Lodge Care Home was the overall winner of the games and received a trophy from the students at Nova Hreod Academy and Councillor Ray Ballman, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult’s Social Care. Councillor Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: "We are committed to building a fairer Swindon for all of our residents, including those in care homes. "That’s why we are proud to be part of the Senior Games programme, which is making a real difference to residents who may have previously struggled with inactivity." 

Dominique Oughton, Wiltshire & Swindon Sport (WASP) Operations Manager, said: "We were thrilled to host the second Senior Games at Nova Hreod Academy, a celebration of active living and community spirit. "The event highlights our commitment to providing opportunities for older adults to stay engaged, healthy, and connected through sport and physical activity." Becci Arthur, Integrated Pathway Lead for Falls and Bone Health at the Great Western Hospital, said: "It's been a genuine pleasure to work alongside the team and 102 older adults in Swindon, exercising in the Senior Games programme each week."