News & Events

CHOICE South Restorative Olympics!

Sign depicting the core values guiding the CHOICE South Restorative Olympics. 

August 13, 2024 - Nearly 40 clients and family spectators gathered at CHOICE South Restorative to celebrate the inaugural CHOICE South Restorative Olympics. Competitors participated in 10 different contests. Each competition built upon interdisciplinary rehabilitation and recovery goals for CHOICE clients. Clients were excited to see the visible achievements in the skills they’ve developed in their recovery programs.

“The physiotherapists first pitched the idea in spring,” said Charlene Popoff, a therapy assistant at CHOICE South who emceed the event. Inspired by the Paris 2024 Olympics, CHOICE South staff saw the opportunity in hosting an Olympics of their own as a fun and constructive method to engage clients and encourage community connection.

Charlene Popoff speaking during the opening ceremony.

An interdisciplinary team of representatives from the physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and recreation therapy programs formed the Olympic planning committee and carefully planned the contests. “Each event was cultivated to work toward rehabilitation goals focused on fine motor skills, range of motion, social skills, and memory & vocabulary recall skills,” said Charlene.

With events like The Floor Is Lava encouraging clients to remain balanced while walking within a restricted zone, or Track and Tongs which encourages fine motor skills and dexterity, clients like Grant, a torchbearer during the opening ceremony, reflected on their growth.

Grant competing in the Skip the Jump event.

“It’s really nice. All of the contests I’ve been through are pretty amazing. There isn’t one that hasn’t been tough. The bean bag toss—I couldn’t toss anything before, but now I can throw it pretty accurately. It’s great,” said Grant, who has enjoyed his experiences at CHOICE South. “The people and staff are amazing. Being here has helped me a lot. My balance used to be off, and the program brought my balance pretty much back.”

Phyllis, another client at CHOICE South, didn’t think she’d want to compete until the day of. “I thought I’d be a cheerleader! But it’s fun.”

The CHOICE South Olympics typified the program’s “work with you approach,” which encourages clients to be active participants while working toward functional goals. Sherri Wright, care manager at CHOICE South Restorative, was thrilled to facilitate the event.

"It was so exciting to see all the clients come together and enjoy their progress. The CHOICE South team did a fantastic job integrating new ideas and supporting our clients here at the program," said Wright.

Sign displaying the Track and Tongs, Thread the Needle, and Speed Stacking competitions.

Staff at CHOICE South Restorative showcased their commitment to enhancing their clients’ quality of life while creating a space for clients to thrive. CHOICE South exhibited CapitalCare’s commitment to providing person-centred care by empowering others and putting people first. The program is already looking forward to the next installment of the CHOICE South Olympics!