Saturday, August 11, 2012

Our Summer Olympics




During our summers as kids, we did not have had the 24/7 inspiration of sports on TV that children do today. Our summer sports were more limited in the neighborhood. Baseball, roller-skating, biking and swimming at the pond were about the sum total of our sporting activities. Yet, we were not without inspiration to excel at many physical activities.

Just as the marathon began with a single purpose…to deliver a message… we too had many inspirations in our youth. Necessity has proven time and time again to be the ‘mother of invention’ and in the hands of children it is often turned into fun and games.

Consider these activities as inspiration for Olympic possibilities.

  • ·        Running for the ice cream truck =100 meter dash
  • ·        Swinging from a rope into the pond = high dive
  • ·        Hula Hoop = rhythmic gymnastics
  • ·        Jumping a fence = running the hurdles
  • ·        Walking along a wall = balance beam
  • ·        Swimming to a raft = freestyle swim
  • ·        Playing ‘tag’ = relay race
  • ·        Skipping rocks = discus
  • ·        Inflatable rafts = kayaking
  • ·        Somersaults & cartwheels = floor exercise
  • ·        Cannonballs = diving board
  • ·        Tricycles to bicycles = BMX racing
  • ·        Sword-play with sticks = fencing
  • ·        Playing with ‘sparklers’ = carrying the Olympic torch
  • ·        Being chosen first on a baseball team = Olympic athlete


The only difference between any of these activities and their possibilities is the vision to see them through. And for those of us that have not made the Olympic dream a part of our everyday life, may we remember each dash for a Popsicle and splash in the water a cherished memory of our lives.

To those who carry the torch today, continued good luck and good sportsmanship.

Cathy

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