Going for gold: Child Life brings Winter Olympics to Texas Children’s patients

February 18, 2014

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We may not see snow in Houston but that’s not keeping patients on different units around the hospital from becoming winter Olympians. Getting into the spirit of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, the Child Life department is bringing the games to the patients.

For two weeks, many units re acting as different “countries” while participating in 10 patient-friendly events. The patients from non-competing units are able to collaborate as a team on the 16th floor so all patients are able to be a part of the fun. Texas Children’s front line staff are acting as Olympic judges and letting the kids compete for gold, silver or bronze medals.

The medal counts for each floor are posted on the 16th floor and being announced daily on Radio Lollipop.

“The kids really enjoy competing and working as a team,” said Child Life Specialist, Alyssa DeMoss. “The Texas Children’s Hospital Olympics has created many opportunities for patients to meet each other and become friends which is making their time at the hospital more enjoyable.”

DeMoss said patients are constantly asking about the next day’s challenge and are excited to prepare together and compete as a team.