FALCON MEADOW
Create your own MEADOW-LYMPICS! Laura Myatt, from Falcon Meadow Community Trust, shows how sporting prowess can be found in our favourite green space!
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ast your mind back to the summer when the Olympics brought entertainment, excitement, and perhaps even inspiration for many of us. If you’re looking to recreate that buzz, why not visit Falcon Meadow and enjoy some light-hearted Olympic-style challenges in beautiful surroundings? These ‘events’ below are designed for all ages and physical abilities, and the combination of exercise, fresh air and nature will give you a boost as the weather turns colder. Make it as competitive or experimental as you like, but do have fun! White Water Pooh Sticks Gather a selection of ergonomic sticks from the selection freely available, launch them into the water from the bridge and watch as they embark on a white-knuckle course over the weir. Gold medal to the first stick to appear (in any state) on the other side of the bridge. Steeplechase (Note - this event requires recent rainfall for maximum authenticity) Begin at the Falcon Gate. Aim to run / wheel the entire length of the meadow, jumping in – or driving through if you are in a wheelchair or buggy – as many puddles as possible along the way. The winner can be the fastest time (traditional) or the wettest / muddiest participant (possibly more fun).
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Stick Javelin Find a long stick that looks like it might be aerodynamic. Choose an open area of the meadow with no people or dogs. Take your position at an agreed point (a molehill could serve as a good marker) and launch your ‘stick javelin’ as far as you can. Measure the distance thrown by pacing. Furthest distance wins. Rhythmic Gymnastics Choose a leafy branch (make sure it’s dead, detached and down) or a wavy reed. Competitors must aim to move across the meadow demonstrating speed, skill and flexibility, while waving – or ideally throwing – their prop into the air and catching it in a graceful manner. Judges can award points for agility and / or self-expression. Olympic Charades Choose a quiet area of the meadow for your ‘stage’. Athletes must take it in turns to ‘act out’ an Olympic event – while audience members guess which one it is. Medals to most convincing actors! Finally – make your medals! Look carefully on the meadow for gold, silver and bronze leaves and enjoy an outdoor awards ceremony in recognition of your efforts. Most importantly – Falcon Meadow is there for everyone to enjoy. Make sure your version of fun doesn’t affect other people’s; and use your judgement wisely to avoid slips, trips or falls. Good luck! If you’d like to support our work, please visit www.falconmeadow.org.uk 51
