George Whirlwind Soldier winds up for a softball throw. Courtesy photo
Sicangu Elders Celebrate Lakota Victory Day
By Vi Waln
Lakota Country Times Correspondent
lakotacountrytimes.com WHITE RIVER – For the first time ever, residents of the White River Health Care Center celebrated Lakota Victory Day by playing several outdoor games, all sponsored by the Sicangu Elderly Concerns, Inc. According to a press release, residents of White River Nursing Home were joined by family members and friends on June 25 to celebrate the anniversary of the Little Big Horn Battle, also known as Lakota Victory Day. The event, dubbed Elder Games II, was held on the nursing home grounds at the request of participants and facility staff. The request was made after residents were unable to participate in the annual Elder Games event at the old track in St. Francis. Inclement weather stopped many from enjoying the games held last May. Over the past 40 years, many Sicangu grandpas and grandmas have looked forward to participating in the Elder Games. However, many were disappointed in May when the weather prevented them from playing. Organizers wanted all the Elders to feel good. So, it was decided to bring the games to them. Elder Games II was organized by the Sicangu Elderly Concerns with the co-operation of the White River Health Care Center staff, according to the press release. Things got under way at about 10am, before it got too warm. Volunteers are a big part of the Elder Games events. The residents were grateful to staff members Shelby Horton, Jody Calloway, Trinity Edwards and Charlene Romero for assisting them throughout the day. Arvish Bhinder, a Todd County High School student, also volunteered to help with the activities.
Lenora Kills Enemy played a fine round in the Frisbee target toss as her colleagues watched. Courtesy photo
Events were selected to enable all interested residents to participate, regardless of their physical ability. All the residents took part in games at their own pace. The events included: soft ball toss, Frisbee target toss, as well as several short distance walking events. The walking events were further divided by level of mobility. Some participated unassisted, while others were assisted by either a volunteer or a device. For instance, those who required assistance might have used a cane and/or a walker. Others participated in their wheel chair. Players in wheel chairs were also grouped in the events according to those who were able to self propel and those requiring a volunteer to help them along the path. Setting the events up in this way enabled all residents to participate successfully. As the afternoon progressed, it was apparent that those Elders playing, as well as observers and cheerleaders, were totally enjoying themselves. The event is intended to promote intergenerational/community interaction and combats the typical nursing home stereotypes.
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At the conclusion of the event, participants and volunteers convened inside before it warmed up too much and were treated to an ad hoc Lakota singing contest. Lenora Kills Enemy and George Whirlwind Soldier offered their wonderful voices to sing for their colleagues. No winner could be determined. It was obvious to all who listened to the beautiful songs that both were extremely talented singers. All participants were presented with an Elder Games certificate and Olympic medal by Sicangu Elderly Concerns board members: Richard Standing Bear and Chris Horvath. It was encouraging to see youth from the community, Arvish Bhinder interacting with Elders in such a positive manner. It is anticipated that Arvish will join the Elder Games Committee in upcoming events. The residents and staff who took part in the games expressed their appreciation to the Sicangu Elderly Concerns group. They look forward to next year’s Elder Games. Find the award-winning Lakota Country Times on the Internet, Facebook and Twitter and download the new Lakota Country Times app today.
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