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YMCA hosts Olympic Day games
By HEATHER RORER/Altavista Journal Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 5, 2006 9:29 AM EDT
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Tristan Markins takes a breath before starting the second half of the noodle race.
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Shouts of excitement and pride rang throughout the YMCA ball fields, hallways, and playgrounds Friday afternoon as the 2006 YMCA Olympic Day Games got underway.
Nearly 400 children, from ages six to 12, chanted team songs and competed for the gold.
The games were the wrap-up of another great week of Camp Discovery. This year's theme was Olympic spirit.
"We had children from six different sites in the area," said Debbie Hanel, Altavista YMCA camp teacher.
Discovery campers came from Rustburg, Concord, Leesville Road, Gretna, and Tomahawk came to join the Altavista site for the games.
"They have been learning about Olympic spirit all week," said Hanel. "We thought it would be fun to bring all of the sites together for this one day."
"We did this same thing 10 years ago when the Olympics were in Atlanta, Georgia and it was a great success, so we decided to do it again," added Hanel.
The children worked on banners and cheers throughout the week, preparing for the day.
"They really took pride in their individual sites, making banners, flags, and posters for the big day," said Hanel.
Each site marched into the opening ceremonies displaying their colors on banners and flags and chanting all the while.
Madeline McCracken led the pack with the American flag.
Activities included several aspects of a healthy mind and body.
"The children participated in a sack race, softball, frisbee, three-legged races, the crab walk, basketball, competition in the pool and arts, and crafts," said Hanel. "We did all kinds of silly relay races."
As for the art aspect of the day, children drew pictures, painted, and made beaded-necklaces.
Each child that participated was awarded a medal at the end of the day.
"We didn't make this a competition thing, just a fun thing," said Hanel. "Everyone got winning medals and had fun."
The day, once again, proved to be a success.
"I think the day went really well," said Hanel. "There was a lot of work and preparation on the staff's part. The kids don't see that, they just have a great time."
The events ended at Shreve Park with watermelon and lunch.
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