Competition Sweeps Through Ashby Ponds for the Annual Summer Olympics

(Ashburn, VA) - Ashby Ponds retirement community recently hosted their 6^th Annual Summer Olympics in Ashburn, Virginia. Since the first round of Olympic competition in 2009, residents have participated in a variety of events each year vying for gold, silver, and bronze medals. This year, the community saw the highest percentage of resident participation compared to any previous year with close to 200 residents competing and 580 event entries.  The Olympic events, which spanned over a course of seven days, included bocce (new in 2013), putting, seated balloon volleyball, cornhole, billiards, Wii bowling, Frisbee toss, sponge relay, ping pong, walk relay, and water volleyball.

The community kicked off the Olympics with the running of the torch; the torch is displayed each year in the lobby of the community clubhouse for the duration of the Olympic events.  One of the most popular community activities at Ashby Ponds every year, the Olympics truly have a positive impact on the residents and staff alike.
"It helps foster physical and social wellness and brings residents from different parts of our community together," said Gina Muaau, the Wellness Coordinator at Ashby Ponds.

Resident Connie Bubon, a former nurse, entered seven events this year and received two gold medals.
"I'm always encouraging people to 'do something' physically," said Bubon.  "Exercise is the most important thing we can do for our health."
Ashby Ponds is full of residents who are great role models for healthy living at any age, including Manny Hershkowitz, who at 97-years-young received a special medal for delivering three holes-in-one during the putting event.
Sponsors in the greater community help to make the Olympics possible at Ashby Ponds.  This year, Gold sponsors included Capital Caring, The Medical Team, One Loudoun, and IDEAL study (NIA).  Silver sponsors were PNC Bank, Optum Palliative & Hospice Care, Wegmans, and American Pool.
The closing ceremonies and medal presentations for the 2014 Ashby Ponds Summer Olympics were held on Wednesday, August 20.
Click here to see a short video from the 2014 Ashby Ponds Summer Olympics.
About Ashby Ponds: Ashby Ponds, one of 18 retirement communities managed by Erickson Living, is situated on a scenic 132-acre campus in Ashburn, Virginia (approximately 30 miles west of Washington, D.C.). The community is home to over 800 residents and has over 120 resident-run and resident-driven clubs and groups, an indoor pool, a fitness club, transportation services, 24-hour security, and flexible dining options. More information about Ashby Ponds can be found at www.ericksonliving.com.