Vancouver Olympics have nothing on Watervliet Elementary School!

February 5, 2010

The eyes of the world are on Vancouver as they gear up to host the 2010 Olympics. But did you know that another exciting Olympic competition is heating up much closer to home? Over the next week, students at Watervliet Elementary School will be holding their own version of the Olympic Games. Students have been grouped into 25 countries with approximately 30 students per country. Each country is comprised of mixed grade-levels of students in from UPK to grade six.

Opening Ceremonies took place this afternoon. Watervliet Mayor Michael Manning, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Padalino and WES Principal Mrs. O'Brien joined students in carrying the ceremonial torch and kicking off this exciting event. Representatives from the local Elks Lodge and the VFW were also on hand to present the school with new American flags, which will be displayed in the new wing of the school. (Check out a slideshow of the Opening Ceremonies!)

All of the medal-earning events will take place at various times throughout the week of February 8 through February 12. Students will be earning gold, silver and bronze medals in both academic and athletic events such as: Math facts; Hockey Puck Shoot; Geography Bee; Hoop Shoot; Spelling Bee; Rock Wall Crawl; Musical Chairs; Boggle; Frisbee Throw; Bowling; and many others.

“We are so excited about this event, which is bringing our school community together in new ways to celebrate the spirit of learning and cooperation, much the same as the real Olympics,” said Mrs. O’Brien, WES Principal. “Students are learning about the countries they are representing, as well as making new friends on these mixed grade-level teams, and they’re having a blast doing it!”