2000

14th September 2000
Olympic Spirit Visits Nursing Home
Staff and residents of St Catherine of Siena nursing home will celebrate the opening of the Olympics tomorrow morning. 15-year-old torch bearer, Tim Harrison, will visit the home, giving residents a unique opportunity to see and touch the torch and to share in the Olympic spirit.

Catherine of Siena's Director of Nursing, Danae Jenkins, says that staff and residents are excited by tomorrow's celebrations and the Olympics.

"Our residents grew up with a strong sense of national pride. The Olympics are a wonderful opportunity for all of us to feel pride in ourselves and in our country. Tim's visit to the home tomorrow is a special opportunity for staff and residents to celebrate together - something we always try to foster".

Tim's personal story is a powerful example of the resilience of the human spirit. Two and a half years ago, Tim fractured three vertebrae in a serious surfing accident. Despite being told that he may never be able to play sport again, Tim is a State and National Surf Lifesaving champion, and represents Newcastle in hockey. He says that carrying the torch is the highlight of his life so far.

Tim will arrive at Catherine of Siena at 10.30 am, and his visit will be followed by a barbecue for staff and residents. Staff will join in the festivities by dressing up as their favourite sporting personalities.

Catherine of Siena is a 67-bed unit of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle's Catholic Care of the Aged. It is located at 30 Lorna Street, Waratah, in the former premises of the Dominican School for Hearing Impaired and Deaf children.

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