CARSTAIRS – Students at Hugh Sutherland School (HSS) celebrated the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea by hosting their own Olympic day on Feb. 16.
The opening ceremonies took place at around 9 a.m. at the Carstairs Memorial Arena. Activities then took place all day at both the arena and the school.
There were 10 stations set up at the two locations. Activities included broomball, ringette, luge relay (using scooters) and speed skating at the arena, and curling (target/toss game), biathlon (with paper skates and paper airplanes) and floor hockey at the school.
There was also Korean board games, lunch and crafts.
HSS teacher Jenny Johnson, who co-organized the event with parent Marsha Sackett, said the kids were quite excited to be able to play and celebrate sport all day.
"The goal is to get students excited about the Olympics and to teach them about Olympic values: respect, excellence and friendship," said Johnson. "We want students to learn that the Olympics are more than just about being the best in the world or the best in your country; that it's really about celebrating the process of becoming the best version of yourself.
"For example, developing excellence in work ethic, respect for your opponents, and lifelong friendships."
In total, 364 students from grades 3-6 were involved with Johnson's Grade 9 phys-ed class leading the activities, said Hackett.
"Marsha and I came up with the idea," said Johnson. "Martha has been an instrumental parent. She has coordinated other parent volunteers and has helped gather many of the supplies needed for the day's events. I feel very grateful for her support and efforts."
