The MediLodge Group, held their 11th annual Senior Olympics on Friday, September 9, 2011 at the Armada Fairgrounds. Over 350 residents, staff, family and volunteers from Hillman to Monroe gathered together to celebrate and compete in 6 Olympic style events. All summer long the residents at the various MediLodge facilities practiced with the desire to make the traveling 5-person Olympic team. The beautiful, sunny day began with the Opening Ceremonies, each facility’s Olympic team members were introduced to the sounds of clapping and cheering from the staff, family and friends that gathered. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all and Star Spangled Banner was sung and the oldest resident, 102 year old Bernice Niver, MediLodge of Southfield, lit the Olympic torch and the Olympic games began. All of the 15 teams competed in the 6 events while the MediLodge accounting office staff cheerleaders led the cheers to motivate the Olympians. Once all of the participants had finished competing they gathered for a buffet style lunch. Jason Chisholm, executive chef at MediLodge of Milford, led the team of chefs and dietary staff in preparing an excellent Boardwalk style luncheon that consisted of soft-shell tacos, steak sandwiches, shrimp sauté, California veggies, open kettle black beans, redskin potato salad, fresh fruit, cupcakes and ice cream sundaes. A variety of juice and water was available all day for the crowd. While everyone enjoyed the meal, the judges were busy tallying the scores to determine the winning team. The closing ceremony was held in the pavilion and the anticipation was infectious. Dee Culp Director of Operations, announced the of the team’s rankings as President, Frank Wronski and Vice President, Gail Clarkson, presented each of the administrators with Olympic medallions that they hung around each of their Olympian’s neck. Finally the big announcement, this year the Olympic Loving Cup trophy was presented to MediLodge of Sterling Heights. MediLodge of Sterling Heights is the largest of all the MediLodge facilities and had never won previously. All of the staff, family and residents were tired and happy as they got on the buses to return to their facilities, but they all agreed to meet again next year in the hopes of winning the Olympic Loving Cup on the 12th anniversary of the event. MediLodge of Montrose finished 8th place in this year’s Olympic Games. Congratulations to the Montrose Stingers.