Presbyterian Care Legana car park was transformed into an arena for the event, with the Norwood Nightingales traveling to the Legana residence to share lunch with their competitors before the games began in the early afternoon.

The Legana Possums were defending the Pres Care Cup after claiming victory at the Pres Care’s Got Talent in 2015.   

Presbyterian Care services manager Peter Francis said they frequently run novelty events for the residents. 

“It is about engaging our residents with each other, their wider community [and] having some fun,” he said. 

Residents began practicing for the games about three-months-ago, with many getting into the spirit by making banners, name tags and team uniforms. 

“They really take ownership of it,” Mr Francis said. 

“We are all about enriching the lives of our residents,” he said. 

Strength and coordination were tested as residents participated in a javelin event which featured knitting needles, a sock toss, a toilet toss and quoits. 

Legana resident Marian Zazula did not allow illness to prevent him from competing in the sock toss. 

Mr Zazula had been practicing for the event religiously and was determined to compete.   

The Nightingales entered the arena in a sea of purple and the Possums displayed a vibrant uniform of orange. 

“The residents love it, you see their personalities come out and some of them can get very competitive,” Mr Francis said.  

Family, friends, staff and volunteers were the backbone of the event. “It is all about a family atmosphere here, so we all get along really well and try to help each other everyday,” Mr Francis said. 

Each year one side chooses a challenge for both teams to compete in for the Pres Care Cup. This year Norwood challenged Legana to the Pres Care Olympics.  

Despite a home ground advantage, the Legana Possums were beaten by the Norwood Nightingales. 

The Nightingales will be in possession of the prestigious cup until next year’s competition, whatever it may be. 

Mr Francis said Presbyterian Care Tasmania was always looking for new ideas and events to break up the days for the residents.