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How to Organize Backyard Olympics for Children

Having a backyard Olympic competition is not only a fun way to get kids involved in exercise, it also helps them learn to work as part of a team. The type of activities you decide to have as part of your backyard Olympics will depend on the age of the children participating and how many kids are involved. Holding the competition takes a little imagination and organization. Read on to learn how to organize backyard Olympics for children.

Instructions

- 1
  Make a list of events. Consider relay races, a softball throw, a long jump and ring toss. If your backyard has a swimming pool, have swimming races. Keep in mind the size of your backyard when organizing your Olympics.
- 2
  Buy medals to award the winners. Consider having ribbons for all the participants. Another option is to have kids make medals before the start of your backyard Olympics. Medals can be easily made out of construction paper and yarn.
- 3
  Allow your children to invite a few friends over. Decide ahead of time how many events you will have. Tell the kids the rules for each event before it starts to avoid arguments. Take a break between events and have snacks handy. Be sure to supply plenty of water and sunscreen.
- 4
  Make an obstacle course. Put up obstacles for children to run through, jump over or crawl under. Some ideas are old tires to run through and putting netting up for children to crawl under. Time the participants to see who is the fastest.
- 5
  Consider having team sports as part of your competition. Consider how much time you are allowing and how many kids are participating--hold a volleyball or kickball game. Choose a sport that does not require special equipment. Set a time limit for your game.
- 6
  Hold an award ceremony at the end of your backyard Olympics. Have winners stand on a step and place their metal around their neck just as they do in the real Olympics. Don't forget to take photos for your scrapbook.

Kids Games