A team from a care home in Wrexham were celebrating after winning a tournament playing the Paralympic sport of boccia.
The residents of Gwern Alyn, which is part of the Pendine Park care organisation, clinched gold after a hard-fought competition.
The target ball game which is similar to bowls was originally devised for athletes with disabilities that have a major impact on motor skills.
The tournament was organised by admin assistant Matt Palamarczuk who is also a qualified paralympic boccia coach.
He became a boccia fan after watching it at the 2012 London Paralympic Games during which he was proud to see that Team GB lifted a silver and a bronze medal.
Earlier this year Matt set up a league of boccia teams at Pendine Park, which is fast becoming a hub of the game in North Wales.
In all, teams representing five of the organisation’s care homes took part in the tournament ahead of the Paralympics in Rio.
Matt said: “The teams all played really well and the games were very exciting. Everyone has had a good time and that’s what is important.”
Bill Evans, who skippered the triumphant Gwern Alyn team, said: “Quite simply we are the greatest! I’ve followed Arsenal all my life so I know what winning is all about although I do support Wrexham and Shrewsbury too.
“The tournament was really good fun and it’s really nice to get together with other residents and have a chat. However, there’s nothing like that winning feeling when you know you have won.”
According to Pamela Reed, another member of the victorious Gwern Alyn team, she has only recently started playing boccia but enjoys the game.
She said: “I enjoy playing boccia and I was thrilled when I was asked to be on the team.
“It’s been quite exciting to be honest. It’s been nice meeting up with other residents and having a chat over refreshments.”
It was a sentiment echoed by Bryn Bella resident Tracey Wilde, said: “It was good fun and great meeting residents of the other are homes.
Fellow resident Christine Jones added “I loved it. It’s nice getting together with other residents from other homes. I wish we could have won but at least I got a runner up medal.”
Doreen Cartwright, of Hillbury Care Home, got into the Paralympic spirit.
She said: “We lost to Gwern Alyn so I came along to support them and do a bit of cheer leading. It’s been good fun.”
Activities and enrichment co-ordinator Nicky Clarke said: “The matches were played over two days and everyone has had a great time.
“The residents really take the competition seriously and the winning team, Gwern Alyn Care Home, were delighted with their gold medals and the championship trophy.”
