November 18, 2024
Talk about having a ball.
On October 24, resident teams from Immanuel’s communities gathered at Lakeside in Omaha for the annual All-Immanuel Communities Tournament. This year’s event was Ladder Golf and brought together resident players from Nebraska and Iowa communities, including Deerfield, Copper Shores Village, Graceview Courtyard, Pacific Springs, Immanuel Village, Immanuel Courtyard, Arboretum Village, Trinity Village, The Landing, Grand Lodge, Yankee Hill Village, and the host, Lakeside.
Friendly competition and team spirit filled the air as residents demonstrated their Ladder Golf skills and camaraderie.
Ladder Golf, a popular outdoor game, involves tossing bolas (two golf balls connected by a cord) onto a ladder with three colored rungs. Each rung is worth a different point value: blue for three points, red for two, and yellow for one. Teams aim for an exact score of 21 points, adding an element of strategy and skill. In the spirit of friendly rivalry, the Ladder Golf championship gave residents a platform to showcase their talents, engage with others, and strengthen bonds within and between Immanuel communities.
Lakeside resident Max Lybarger expressed his enjoyment of the event, calling it a unique experience, and noted how the companionship of the event overshadowed its competitive nature.
“It’s the location, the crowd, the tightness,” he shared, reflecting on the enthusiastic atmosphere at Lakeside. “Everybody has been quite kind.”
Similarly, Pacific Springs resident Carolyn Crenson shared how Ladder Golf had brought her community closer. When the game first came to her community, she hadn’t anticipated the adventure it would bring.
“There’s Jim (Lauer – Carolyn’s teammate),” she explained. “There are a lot of things he can’t do because of his balance, but he plays.”
Rachel Hoeck, Immanuel’s Corporate Wellness Manager, said organizing the championship is a months-long process involving detailed planning and preparation.
“In addition to physical activity, the event promotes socialization, teamwork, and competition,” she said.
Two months prior to the championship, each community holds its own Ladder Golf tournaments to select representatives, building excitement and anticipation among the residents. The game accommodates various skill levels, enabling participants to enjoy its social and physical benefits.
“It’s something everyone can do,” Carolyn said. “We had a lady who is 90 years old play.”
As the championship games progressed, the team spirit of each community shone brightly. Resident teams distinguished themselves with fun slogans and colorful T-shirts. “Lakeside Toss Boss” and “We’re Landing in First Place” were some memorable mottos proudly displayed on shirts. At the same time, the team from Immanuel Village took their enthusiasm to the next level with tie-dye attire and golden pom-poms to cheer on their teammates.
“One of our residents put together a cheer,” said Immanuel Village Wellness Coordinator Greg Jones. “It was a fun bus ride over.”
Cameo Rogers, Immanuel’s Corporate Life Enrichment Manager, said the lively atmosphere was inspiring.
“We love seeing the T-shirts, pom poms, and all of the team spirit,” she said. Cameo added that this team enthusiasm created a positive atmosphere for players and spectators alike, reinforcing the importance of social engagement in promoting well-being among seniors.
Following an initial drawing to determine the matchups, the tournament rounds began. Teams that won their sets advanced in the single elimination bracket until only two remained: Pacific Springs and Copper Shores Village. Pacific Springs emerged victorious in the showdown with a close score of 21-15. Prizes for the top four teams included certificates, gift cards, bundt cakes, and – for the winner – bragging rights.
Overall, the event reflects Immanuel’s vision that all people can grow and age in safety, dignity, and wellness. By celebrating the residents’ accomplishments and team spirit, the All-Immanuel Communities Tournament fosters physical activity and strengthens the sense of inclusion that defines each of its retirement living and senior care communities.
