Gulf Coast Family

Even though your children will not be competing in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, a backyard Olympics can be just the ticket for fun on a long summer day. So invite your friends and family, get your teams ready, light the ceremonial backyard grill and let the games begin!

Water Sports

• If you have a backyard pool, there are a many events you can try, from freestyle races to water polo. Whatever you do, don't leave out the backyard favorite, the Cannon Ball biggest splash.
• Slip-n-slides are great for those who do not have a pool. Contestants are judged on their creative style and how far they slide.
• A water balloon toss is great event for promoting teamwork and for getting everyone soaking wet.

Track & Field

• Create an obstacle course in your backyard with plenty of things to crawl through, jump over and run around.
• A couple nice long garden hoses work perfectly for making a track for relay races.
• Create a straight track for the long jump, sprints, wheelbarrow races and the potato sack race. Note, pillow cases will work just as well as potato sacks and they are a lot more common, and much easier to clean.

Team Events

• A good rope and game of tug of war are perfect for your backyard Olympics. If you don't have a rope, try using a garden hose.
• A Badminton net and a Nerf volleyball are perfect for team volleyball and again you can use your every day garden hose to set the boundaries.
• Backyard soccer is a great team event for any backyard Olympics. Limit the teams to a maximum of four players and play with no goalies.

Gymnastics

• A trampoline is ideal for somersaults, jumping and freestyle routines; however an old mattress or an inflatable mattress will also work and be almost as fun.
• A thick board set on blocks about a foot or so from the ground will work nicely for a balance beam. However, watch out for splinters!
• A couple of blankets and some backyard Ring Frisbees will be all you need for the free-style dance and tumbling routines.

Hosting a Backyard Olympics should be a fun family activity based on the spirit of the real Olympics. The Olympic creed states, "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win, but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well." Parents, as your children participate in your backyard games, remember to emphasize the importance of good sportsmanship and doing one's personal best! Also, don't forget to take lots of pictures and most importantly have Fun!