The Owasco Olympic Games, first held in the 1970s, returned to Owasco Elementary School in 2005. After several years of traditional field days, it was decided to bring back the end-of-the-year Olympics and once again learn about different countries and their customs from this integrated study.

In the past, four to five days were allowed for this activity. When students were not out on the field competing in the Hercules Competition or trying to win medals for their “country” (class) in traditional races such as sprints, hurdles, obstacle courses and throwing events, they were in the classroom learning about the currency of their country or its government, food, music, dress or exports. Each teacher decided how to approach the subject and ultimately all students came away with a better understanding of other cultures and countries.

This year the school held its Olympic kickoff in January to introduce the event to the students. Everyone went to the gym for the “Parade of Countries.” Students waved their country's flag and classes exchanged greetings in their country's native languages. An entertaining video presentation of last year's activities helped to set the stage for this year's study. By beginning in January, teachers have been able to spread lessons out over the course of an entire semester. This more relaxed pace allows them to go more in depth and to link the rest of the elementary curriculum to this Olympic project.

Students are studying the following countries this year: USA, France, Italy, Costa Rica, Switzerland, Ukraine, Brazil, Jamaica, China, Japan, Greece, Finland, Scotland, Ireland, England, Spain, Australia, Canada, Mexico and Germany. Some lucky classes have had special guest visitors come in and speak about their native lands.

The Owasco Olympics Opening Ceremony, complete with a parade of athletes and a relay of the Olympic torch, will be held on Friday, June 16. Auburn resident Dr. Gillian Donaldson, a fencing gold medalist for Great Britain in the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne, Australia, will be on hand to lead athletes and officials through their Olympic oaths just as she did last year. Athletic competitions are planned for Friday, June 16 and Monday, June 19.

When the games begin, students will try to earn medals for their classes in the following events: sprints, obstacle courses, hurdles, a group juggle, baton relays, a cross country run, a shuttle run and jump rope.

Our final day of competition will include the exciting Tugs-of-War, followed by the Closing Ceremony. Final awards will be given not only for Olympics feats, but for special honors achieved throughout the entire school year. The day will conclude with a wonderful school picnic put on by our very dedicated Parent-Teacher Organization. Knowledge, memories and fun - what a fantastic way to end the 2005-06 school year!

Lorrie Butcher is the physical education teacher at Owasco Elementary School