As Bristow Public Schools’ elementary school students battle it out each spring in their Little Olympics, it can be easy to describe the events and list the winners whilst missing or failing to note all of the hard work and dedication of staff, volunteers, students, and parents taking place that make possible the event and ensure its success. Fortunately, a few people shared their observations.
One parent, L.K., who expressed her desire to be identified only by her initials in an effort to focus on the students and the event, extensively shared her perspective and gratitude to all parties involved, beginning with Edison Elementary’s Physical Education Instructor Ramsey Diaz, saying “Edison Coach Ramsey Diaz has transformed Little Olympics for their little people. She puts so much detail into it and gets kids involved and active from the time they arrive at Hafer Field around 8:30.”
In fact, from the moment students arrived at the field, L.K. described a fun—yet educationally informed—eventfilled spectacle, creating lifelong memories and greater understanding of the world and International Olympic Games. For example, students began the day by singing the national anthem followed by a symbolic running of the Olympic torch. L.K. noted that the torch relay symbolically represented the 11 host cities of the International Olympic Games of the summer Olympics held since 1980: Moscow, Los Angeles, Seoul, Barcelona, Atlanta, Sydney, Athens, Beijing, London, Rio, and Tokyo. “Coach Diaz had 22 kids complete the torch run this year!” Of those 22 students, “8 kindergarteners, 8 first graders, and 6 second graders relayed the torch with each representing their teachers and class!”
Following the torch relay, all students broke into groups with each group participating in activities at “play stations” of games and events designed to build strength, enhance gross motor skills, and strengthen physical and mental stamina in the face of challenge. Students engaged in play at the stations until lunch. Play stations included Sponge Relay & Beachball, Parachute, Obstacle Course with Football Throw, H-H Horseshoes & RPS Showdown, Baseball Hit & BaseBowl Throw, Noodles aka Baton Relay & Save the Spaghetti, Cup Stack Relay, Bucket Toss & Hoop Flip, Sack Races & Cone Challenge, Tug o’War, and Soccer.
After lunch, middle and high school student volunteers and teachers enjoyed some game time of their own before spectators and all attendees danced together in a designed crowd movement exercise, eliciting fun for all.
Afternoon competitions teased out the runner mentality in all students as they excitedly raced against each other,
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Angie Gentry photo distance, and time. L.K. noted that “Mr. Lomenick, the Bristow Public Schools computer wiz” fired the starting pistol for all of the races, and Ms. Kristi Ernst, Edison’s media specialist, gave voice to the event, “running the speakers and announcements”.
Several parents, including L.K., wished to thank all involved in making Edison’s Little Olympics a memorable event for students. Specifically, parents and grandparents thanked P.E. Instructor Ramsey Diaz, Dr. Chip Cooper for helping to set up and engage with students, IT Director Brian Lomenick, Media Specialist Kristi Ernst, Edison Principal Robin Little, Bristow Middle School Principal Lawrence Seachris, Bristow High School coaches in attendance and for their assistance in relocating equipment, Edison schoolteachers, all volunteers, especially the middle and high school students, the bus drivers for safely transporting students to and from the field, family and friends for attending, supporting, and encouraging students, and for the students who participated and gave their best for a day of fun and competition.
In summary, parents wished to convey their appreciation for the coordination amongst all participants, volunteers, instructors, and the schools in creating a uniquely distinct educational experience for all students. “The students were all incredibly excited and invested in being active. It’s all thanks to everyone involved. The added touch of tying it to the International Olympic Games was worth gold for the kids. They’ll