Stratford retirement homes launch seniors bocce league to promote health and connection

Player Danny Hatherell competes in the All Seniors Care Bocce Ball League champions, where McCarthy Place and Cedarcroft Place retirement residences come together for a light competition and a fun game of bocce ball.

By: Amanda Nelson

McCarthy Place and Cedarcroft Place retirement residences have joined forces to bring both homes together in a lightly competitive seniors bocce league, where the homes compete against each other for the title of All Seniors Care Bocce Ball League champions.

Stacy Jordan, lifestyle director and regional manager, said the idea was to help bring the sister retirement homes together and advocate for better mental and physical health through a fun competition.

“Physical activity is imperative for seniors and their mental and physical health,” she said. “It gives them purpose and the opportunity to get out and try something new while also giving them the ability to be part of a team again.”

Jordan, who is actively involved in Stratford’s local sports community and is known for her competitive spirit, thought it would be a fun way for residents to travel, represent their home and cheer each other on.

“Out of all the events we have organized, this has been my favourite,” she said. “Watching the residents become so excited, show their competitive side, travel for games and proudly represent their home has been incredible. It really brings out the kid in them.”

The residents initially took part in a tryout process that was “lightly competitive,” Jordan said.

“Each player eagerly looks forward to every matchup, and at Cedarcroft Place they even joke about following ‘Coach Stacy’s strict bedtime curfew’ to be well-rested for the next day’s games.”

Players from both teams practise during the day and work hard at keeping up their bocce skills for the final tournament on Aug. 20, where the undefeated Cedarcroft Place team will try to retain its title as the 2026 champion.

“It has given me something to look forward to, and it’s been a lot of fun — especially when we win,” teammate Stuart Romphf said.

Another Cedarcroft Place teammate, Danny Hatherell, said he joined because it was an interesting sport and he wanted to try something new.

“I really like to try new things,” he said. “And bocce seemed like something new and different. Once I started playing, I learned how much I really enjoy it.”

Hatherell also said he hopes the league will continue year after year, which he believes will help bring people together and foster relationships between the sister homes.

“It’s been really great to meet people you didn’t know beforehand. You learn a little bit about them, where they’re from, and it’s nice to see everyone come together and play a really good game of bocce,” he said.

The final game will be celebrated with a barbecue lunch and an awards ceremony. Organizers hope to make the event an annual tradition, with the winning team keeping the league trophy at its home for the year.