Cherie Gough
Keep the torch lit CELEBRATE the OLYMPIC GAMES Though the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo are postponed until summer 2021, families can still stage a celebration at home! Here are ideas that will add backyard fun and friendly competition to your summer plans. Keep all ages engaged by choosing challenges that accommodate a variety of strengths and abilities. Team Up
With four or more people, make two Olympic teams. Wear Olympic colorcoded tees, wristbands, socks or caps to distinguish each team.
Have an Opening Ceremony
Make a simple torch by gluing red, orange and yellow construction paper flames to the top of an empty toilet paper roll. Hang simple decorations in the backyard, such as a paper chain using Olympic colors or posters painted with Olympic rings. Stream Olympic-themed music while teams take turns passing the torch. Each family member does a lap around the yard, then passes the torch to the next person.
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Let the Games Begin
Play traditional games that don’t require lots of set up and that all ages enjoy, such as egg-and-spoon race, wheelbarrow race and these activities: Water Balloon Toss Have team members stand apart and throw a water balloon (underhand) to each other. Take a step back after each successful catch. Continue passing the balloon back and forth until someone drops it. Last team to drop the balloon is the winner. Hula Hoop Endurance Collect enough hula hoops that each family member has one. See who can hoop the longest. World Map Memory Test your family’s knowledge of world geography (best for elementary age kids and older). Give teams five minutes to look at a globe, world map, or atlas, then have them label a blank printout of a world map. Bonus points for countries labeled and spelled correctly.
Paper Airplane Competition Each team makes one paper airplane to match their team color. Stand behind the start line and throw your plane. The team whose airplane goes the farthest is the winner. Bonus point for most artistic airplane design (judge’s discretion).
Close with an Awards Ceremony Have crafty family members make medals from construction paper and ribbon. The ultimate prize: getting dessert first and not having to do the dishes!
Curling Indoor Game Yes, curling is a winter sport, but no ice is needed in this curling competition, so why not include it in your Olympic Games summer activities? Hearthsong’s Curling Zone Indoor Game ($109) includes six air-propelled, battery-operated stones (3 red, 3 yellow) that “hover” on the mat (AA batteries needed). It’s great family fun! Learn more at www.hearthsong.com.
