Getting Kids Excited About the Paris Olympics: Engaging Activities and Personal Memories

The Olympics have always been a significant event in my life, not just for the spectacle of global competition but because of the memories I shared with two important people in my life: my Grandma Pat and my youngest daughter Winnie. Grandma Pat was more of an "order some pizza" kind of gal than a "fresh baked cookies" type, and her love for sports was unparalleled. You'd never enter her house without hearing a game playing on the television—football, basketball, hockey, boxing, golf. She wasn't picky; whatever sport was in season would be airing on her TV. Grandma Pat was an athlete in her own right. She played golf, water-skied, snow-skied, bowled, and swam—she truly embodied the spirit of working hard and playing hard. Watching the Olympics with her made the games more than just a series of events; they became a source of inspiration and a true bonding experience.

A Personal Memory: Watching the Games with Grandma Pat

One standout memory of mine is from the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Grandma Pat and I settled in for a night of competition with our favorite pizza. I remember as we watched Cathy Freeman race to victory in the 400m, my grandmother's enthusiasm was contagious. She didn't just watch; she analyzed the athletes’ techniques and shared stories of her own sports adventures, making every moment richer and more engaging. It wasn’t about perfect setups or ideal moments—it was about being present, sharing a passion, and enjoying each other's company. These moments are especially precious to me now since she passed away in August 2003. The memories of those times keep her spirit alive in my heart, and they inspire me to share that same joy with my own children.

Watching the Games with My Daughter Winnie

The 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, took place just two months after the birth of my youngest daughter, Winnie. I would fill my sleepless nights with the games airing on my television, a comforting ritual that brought back the memories of my time with my grandmother. So, when Winnie began wailing, I'd scoop her up and we'd head down to the living room. With the lights dim, Winnie in my arms, me in the rocker, and Grandma Pat in my heart and on my mind, I'd consume every event from figure skating to bobsledding and the halfpipe snowboarding. Winnie seemed to sleep better with the announcers' commentary, and those nights became a special time for us. It felt like I was passing down a family tradition, sharing the Olympic spirit with the next generation.

With the Paris 2024 Olympics underway, I hope to help your family build some memories centered around this extraordinary event. Here are some practical and enjoyable ways to get the kids involved in the excitement.

Fun Olympic-Themed Activities for Kids

1. Olympic-Themed Crafts

• Medal Making: Have kids create their own medals with cardboard, foil, and ribbon. They can award these to each other after friendly competitions at home.
• Flag Painting: Encourage kids to draw or paint flags of participating countries. This can be a great way to learn about world geography and different cultures.
• Torch Craft: Make a simple Olympic torch using paper and tissue. Let kids have a mini torch relay around the house or backyard.

2. Mini Olympics at Home

• Set Up Races: Organize simple races like sprints or relay races in your backyard. This can be a great way to burn off energy and simulate the excitement of the games.
• Obstacle Courses: Use household items to create a fun and challenging obstacle course. Include activities like jumping, crawling, and balancing.
• Sports Sampling: Introduce kids to different sports with basic equipment. Try activities like mini-golf, badminton, or simple gymnastics routines.

3. Educational Activities

• Learn About Countries: Research participating countries and mark them on a map. Discuss their cultures, languages, and Olympic histories.
• History of the Olympics: Share stories about the origins of the Olympics, famous athletes, and key moments in Olympic history. This can be both educational and inspiring. Here's a link to some great book recommendations on this topic: History of the Olympics for kids.
• Language Learning: Teach kids some basic phrases in French, the language of the host country. Simple greetings and phrases can make them feel more connected to the event.

4. Watch Parties

• Family Viewing: Plan watch parties for specific events. Create a cozy environment with snacks and let kids pick the sports they want to see.
• Highlight Reels: Watch highlights from past Olympic Games to show the excitement and diversity of the events. Discuss what makes each sport unique and interesting.

5. Olympic-Themed Games

• Trivia Games: Make a trivia game with questions about the Olympics, sports, and athletes. This can be a fun way to test and expand their knowledge.
• Bingo: Create Olympic-themed bingo cards featuring different sports, countries, and symbols. Play during the opening ceremony or while watching events.

6. Fitness Challenges

• Daily Workouts: Set simple daily fitness challenges like jumping jacks, running, or yoga. Track progress and celebrate achievements.
• Tracking Progress: Use a chart to keep track of daily activities and goals. Small rewards for milestones can keep kids motivated.

7. Cooking International Foods

• Try Recipes: Cook dishes from different countries participating in the Olympics. This can be a fun culinary adventure and a way to learn about global cuisines.

8. Olympic Story Time

• Read Books: Find books about the Olympics, athletes, and different sports. This can be a relaxing yet educational activity.
• Write Stories: Encourage kids to write their own stories or draw comics about their favorite Olympic sports or athletes.

9. Virtual Tours

• Explore Paris: Take virtual tours of Paris to learn about its landmarks, culture, and history. This can be a great way to tie in geography lessons with Olympic excitement.

10. Create a Supportive Environment

• Support Messages: Have kids create supportive messages or artwork for their favorite athletes. This encourages empathy and sportsmanship.

By engaging kids in these activities, we can create new memories and instill a love for the Olympics, much like the ones I have with my Grandma Pat and now share with Winnie. Let’s make the Paris 2024 Olympics a celebration of sports, culture, and fun for the whole family!

Final Thoughts...

As we look forward to the Paris 2024 Olympics, let's create an environment where our kids can experience the same excitement and joy that I did with my beloved Grandma Pat and now with my daughter Winnie. These activities are not only fun but also educational, providing a holistic approach to enjoying the Olympic Games. Share your own memories and new experiences with your children, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the spirit of the Olympics.