Host Your Own Kokomo Summer Olympics
TKP Photo | Alli Lee
If you’re anything like us, you’re anticipating the ultimate world showcase of athleticism that is the summer Olympics and Paralympics. This quadrennial event, hosted this year in Paris, France, will be the largest event organized in France to date. While watching or streaming the Olympics is great, your whole family can get involved and make memories when you host your own family Olympics or give some of the summer events a try.
TKP Photo | Bree Bragg
We had a blast hosting our own Olympics with some everyday items and toys you may have around the house. A small group of the Kokomo Post Kids and friends met up to play Olympics at Jackson Morrow Park. We finished our fun and celebrated our little athletes with homemade medals made with gold chocolate coins. Here’s an example of what we used for these events with a small group of Pre-K and elementary aged kids, but you can be as simple or fancy as you’d like.
Relays and running races - streamer finish line
Discus Throw - frisbees and measuring tape
(if keeping score)Long Jump - small floor mat and measuring tape
Javelin Throw - pool noodles and measuring tape
Rhythmic Gymnastics - hula hoops or streamers and music
Sidewalk chalk for many creative options
We are so lucky to have many local places where you can host your family Olympics or simply try something new right here in Kokomo.
Swimming at Kokomo Beach
Beach Volleyball - Jackson Morrow Park
Canoe - Wildcat Creek
Cycling - KokoGo Bike Share
Golf - Golf UP 31 Driving Range
Trampoline Gymnastics - Gravity Trampoline Park
TKP Photo | Alli Lee
Events like the Olympics can be a great time to incorporate a little learning in all of the fun. It’s a great time to read biographies about famous Olympic and Paralympic athletes or take a look at a map and review some world geography. We found some special printable activities available for free thanks to Mrs. Learning Bee.
New to the Olympics this year is “breaking,” or as we know it, a break dancing competition. You can find a full list of the Olympic events happening in Paris this year here. The Olympics begins with soccer (football), handball and rugby team sports and Wednesday, July 24, and Thursday, July 25, followed by the opening ceremonies on Friday evening. The Olympics will continue through Sunday, Aug. 11 with the Paralympic games following in late August-September. You can find more details on the official viewing schedule through your local NBC affiliate or online.
