Meadowood brought the Olympic spirit indoors this February with its first-ever Winter Olympic Games, a campus-wide celebration designed to beat cabin fever and unite residents through friendly competition.

When the Olympic Committee formed, its mission was clear: create a diverse, interactive, fun-filled, and inclusive series of events that paralleled the World Winter Olympics, hosted in a convenient, flexible setting like the Schultz Community Center. From the Opening Ceremony through qualification rounds, medal competitions, and a Closing Ceremony, the games delivered exactly what organizers hoped for, energy, laughter, and a powerful sense of community.

Participation reflected Meadowood’s inclusive culture. Approximately 100 residents registered and played one or more games, with all areas of campus represented. Eighteen residents completed all 10 events (7 men and 11 women), including participants using wheelchairs, walkers, and canes. The most popular events included Ice Hockey, Cross Country Skiing, Catch the Baton, Dexterity & Balance, and Score 3. 

In the Medal Competition, 20 residents qualified (8 men and 12 women). Women earned 6 gold, 5 silver, and 5 bronze medals, while men earned 4 gold, 5 silver, and 6 bronze.

The Decathlon awards recognized top overall performance: Gold went to Carol Lightstone (33), Silver to Claudette Kuczmanski (32) and Hank Stoebenau (32), and Bronze to Linda Misoda (30).

Frank Tiano credited the success to the dedication of the Olympic Committee: Mike Wagner, Ann Stathopolous, Dick Manna, Boo Murray, Joe Logano, Jim & Peggy Kotz, MJ Wetzel, and Carol Tiano along with a large team of volunteers and the audio/visual crew who supported the events throughout the Olympiad.

With the inaugural Winter Olympics now officially closed, Meadowood is already looking ahead to more themed competitions, including The Gal Games and the Bro Olympics, sponsored by Fitness & Wellness.