The opening ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Olympics get underway in just a few days. However, you don’t need to travel to London in order to get in on all the athletic fun.
Kids, who are inspired by the mega-athletes they view on TV, can replicate the record-breaking moves at home. Here are a few ideas to get your children into the spirit of the 2012 Summer Games:
Relay Races: Foot races are one of the oldest and most popular Olympic Games. What’s more, they are also one of the easiest for kids to participate in. Simply collect some small wooden dowels or use empty paper towel rolls to mimic batons. The makeshift batons can be passed between runners on the same team. Next, use baby powder or white chalk to design a circular course in your yard or on a large green space at a local park. Finally, divide the kids into teams of four runners or more, use a whistle to start the race, and see which team finishes first.
Swim Relay: If you have a pool or access to one, divide kids into teams and host a swimming relay using clearly marked lanes.
Field Events: Get your kids really pumped up for the Olympics by having them compete in a mock decathlon. The real deal takes place over two days and includes running, long jump, shot put, high jump, hurdles, discus, pole vault, and javelin throw. A DIY version could include using bean bags or tennis balls for the shot put and a broom handle as a javelin. Use a Frisbee instead of a real discus and orange safety cones as hurdles.
Other Olympic events that you can set-up in your own backyard include badminton, volleyball, and table tennis. Indoors you can designate an area for gymnastics floor and vault routines using padded safety mats or couch cushions.
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