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 color coded 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.

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:

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).

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.

Curling Indoor Game

Yes, curling is a winter sport, but no ice is needed in this curling Hearthsong’s Curling Zone Indoor Game ($109) includes six air-propelled, battery-operated stones (AA batteries needed). It’s great family fun! Learn more at www.hearthsong.com.

A Taste of Japanese Culture

Get in the spirit of the Tokyo Games by ordering ramen and yakitori from your favorite take-out restaurant or making homemade sushi. Omit fish and use just vegetables for picky eaters. You’ll need nori seaweed wrappers, rice that’s cooled, filling and a bamboo rolling mat. Learn how to roll sushi by watching this video from Raddish Kids: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Cb8khXhV4Dg.

Let Them Eat Cake

A beautiful red velvet Twizzler Cake makes a festive centerpiece for hungry athletes to enjoy. Find the recipe from Oceanside food blogger Jackie Bruchez at www.theseasidebaker.com/ red-velvet-twizzler-cake.

Cool Down

Avoiding dairy or gluten? Nicole Hunn’s delicious red, white and blue ice pops feature seasonal fruit and coconut milk. Find the recipe at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/diningand-recipes and more allergen-friendly recipes on Hunn’s blog Gluten-Free on a Shoestring. www.glutenfreeonashoestring.com.

Photo courtesy of Gluten-Free on a Shoestring Savor Festive Foods

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Watch Party

Set up a watch party indoors or on a big screen in the backyard. Find the full-length video of World Gymnastics Championships from October 2019 to see athletes chosen for the world’s 2020 teams. www.youtube.com/watch?v=RanPu_WFG4U

For a glimpse of exhilarating college gymnasts, check out short videos of UCLA’s floor exercises that earned perfect 10s. Just search “UCLA Perfect 10” on YouTube.

Watch original TV shorts (perfect before bedtime) streaming on the free Olympic Channel app. Inspiring athletes reveal how they push limits in sports like BMX in “Is It Possible.” “Inspired by Sport” explains how sports like rock climbing have changed young people’s lives worldwide. Each episode lasts only 5 to 20 minutes. The channel also replays some of Olympics’ greatest games from archery to baseball. www.olympicchannel.com/en

For more ideas, read “How to Host an Olympics-Themed Party” at www.sandiegofamily.com/ resources/san-diego-partyplanner/host-an-olympicsthemed-party.