Get into the Spirit of the Winter Olympics

Cheer on Team USA as they compete in Beijing (the capital of China) from Friday, Feb. 4 to Sunday, Feb. 20. Here we share a plethora of ideas about how to embrace the spirit of the Olympics, learn a bit about Chinese culture and explore winter sports. Watching the Olympics with kids is a springboard for enriching conversations about other countries, cultural differences, and the dedication and perseverance it takes for athletes to compete. Make it a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Fun Facts About the Olympics

• Almost all the snow used in the events will be artificial.

• Beijing is the first city to ever host both summer and winter Olympic Games (the 2008 Summer Olympics were held there).

• The Olympic Flag features interlocking rings that symbolize unity between five parts of the world that compete (North & South America, Asia, Africa, Europe and Australia).

Root for the Home Team!

Take time to learn a little about the athletes on Team USA at www.teamusa.org. When the kids show interest in one or two, they’ll get excited to watch their sport on TV. Get the schedule and keep track of results at www.nbcolympics.com. Show your team spirit by donning red, white and blue! Learn how to make American flag shorts at www.sandiegofamily.com/for-the-kids/ crafts-for-kids/how-to-make-americanflag-shorts.

Make festive treats like Star-Spangled Soda and Patriotic Cake Pops to enjoy while watching the Olympics as a family. Get the recipes at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/ dining-and-recipes/star-spangled-soda for the soda and www.sandiegofamily.com/ things-to-do/dining-and-recipes/patrioticconfetti-cake-pops-recipe for the cake pops.

Take a Field Trip

The Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center is a U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training site mostly known for its summer sports training (archery, BMX, rowing, etc.). Self-guided and guided tours are available, in addition to an “Eat Like an Athlete” experience, where visitors are treated to an allinclusive lunch in the Training Center Dining Hall. Team USA gear can be purchased at the visitor center. Most winter sports training is not local, but there are winter sport Olympians who train here in the off-season. Learn more at www.trainatchulavista.com.

Mark Your Calendar

Winter Olympics Feb. 4–Feb. 20 Paralympics March 4–March 13 www.olympics.com/en/beijing-2022

Explore Winter Sports Now that people are talking about the Olympics, it’s the perfect time to introduce kids to a new afterschool activity. Some of the events that will be on TV are:

Figure skating

Ice hockey

Skiing

Snowboarding

Bobsledding

Curling

Speed skating

There are classes for many of these winter sports available in San Diego! Kids can learn figure skating or join youth ice hockey at The Rinks Poway Ice (https://powayice.therinks.com), The Salvation Army Kroc Center in the Rolando area (https://sd.kroccenter.org/ kroc-san-diego/ice) and San Diego Ice Arena in Mira Mesa (www.sdice.com).

Ski and snowboard lessons are available at Adventure Ski in Encinitas (www.adventureski.com), and youth ages 12+ can learn curling at Curl San Diego in Carlsbad (www.curlsandiego.org).

Get a Taste of Chinese Culture

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, starts Feb. 1 and culminates with the Lantern Festival on Feb. 15. Since these dates coincide with Beijing 2022, Olympic spectators are sure to be treated to Chinese New Year festivities. Here are a few fun ways to embrace Chinese culture at home.

Traditional Chinese New

Year foods include spring rolls, dumplings, noodles, fish, sweet rice balls and more. You might choose to order (or make) Chinese food for dinner one night while watching the Olympics together as a family. If you’re gathering with others, perhaps organize a potluck with a variety of Chinese dishes. The Convoy District is a well-known cultural hub for Asian cuisine. If you’re looking for something fun that will get the kids’ attention, Steamy Piggy offers Kawaii Buns, a sweet dessert filled with custard (and looks like pigs!).

Photo credit: IG@hungry_actually

It’s the Year of the Tiger!

Tigers are the third of the Chinese zodiacs. According to www.ChineseNewYear.net, people born in the years of the Tiger are courageous, enthusiastic, generous, and love a good challenge. Art with Alyssa contributor Alyssa Navapanich offers instructions on how create a tiger craft using toilet paper tubes and paint. Instructions for this (and the Lion Lantern) are at www.sandiegofamily.com/ for-the-kids/crafts-for-kids.

The 40th Annual San Diego Chinese

New Year Fair (Feb. 12 & 13) in downtown San Diego features traditional and cultural performances, a lantern parade, Asian food and more. Visit the website for details and event updates: www.sdcny.org. v

Lisa Gipson, managing editor for San Diego Family, looks forward to watching figure skating and bobsledding while eating takeout from Joyee’s Dumpling House.

February 2022 • SanDiegofamily.com • 15