Reaping therapeutic recreation benefits one game at a time
South Team staff benefits in a multitude of ways from a Therapeutic Recreation Month Bocce tournament proving that not only our clients can benefit from some quality recreation therapy.
Even the smallest lunch time leisure activity can make a huge impact in a workplace environment. During the months of February and March, the South MH&A Team stepped away from the noon hour lunch table and spent their lunch breaks out in the sun, wind, and even sleet to participate in South Team’s very first bocce tournament to celebrate Therapeutic Recreation Month. Leisure involvement made a huge impact during the last few months at South Team as staff took the opportunity to get outdoors during their lunch breaks. Staff had the opportunity to engage in social interaction with their colleagues, experience a new leisure activity, and got to try their hand at Bocce Ball on all types of terrain including hills, trees and playgrounds.
Team OTastic takes home the trophy!
“Many staff at South (myself included) don’t make an effort to get out at lunch for some fresh air. This tournament gave an opportunity to participate as a player, ref, and/or cheerleader, all in good fun. It was an incredible success in terms of leisure, morale, and fun… despite the weather!” said Jen Glasgow, Clinical Supervisor and Bocce player extraordinaire.
As the Bocce tournament heated up, an array of costumes were dawned including tight and bright spandex, tiaras, and even Sigmund Freud himself.
“It was gratifying to see our staff interacting and laughing with each other over an outdoor leisure activity,” commented recreation therapist, Hayley Wishlow.
Case manager Nina Sekhon said that getting involved in the tournament “enabled me to get some fresh air while connecting with co-workers in a fun and different way.”
Many staff commented that they would like to see this as an annual event. Until that time, the team spirit and positive vibes felt during this activity will live on in the day to day work life at South Team. Congratulations to the occupational therapists, Jen Glasgow and Jeehwa Lee who bowled their way to first place earning bragging rights and a new dusty trophy.
Thank you to all who participated and helped to celebrate the value of the therapeutic recreation profession!