For many of us, summer vacation is drawing to an end, and the new school year is just around the corner. Before you start packing those backpacks, there is one last major event to celebrate this summer – the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro! Here are some fun facts to share with your children about the Summer Olympics.
1. The United States has won more medals (2,189) at the Summer Olympics than any other country.
2. The five Olympics rings represent the the five major regions of the world: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania.
3. Summer Olympic sports include basketball, volleyball, boxing, gymnastics, soccer, swimming, track and field and many more.
If you and your young Olympian want to learn even more about the Summer Olympics before the festivities start, below are some library books you can check out.
“Olympics” by B. G. Hennessy
“What Are the Summer Olympics?” by Gail Herman
“Ancient Greece and the Olympics” by Mary Pope Osborne
“Touch the Sky: Alice Coachman, Olympic High Jumper” by Ann Malaspina
To celebrate the Summer Olympics, the Columbia Public Library will be hosting Wii Olympics on Friday, August 5 from 3-4:30 p.m. Come to the Studio to compete in a variety of Wii sports for a chance at a gold medal. You provide your skills, we’ll bring the snacks. Ages 10 and older. Call (573) 443-3161 to register today!
For your younger kids, visit www.activityvillage.co.uk for some Olympic fun (including recipes, games and coloring pages).
Summer Olympics information found on factmonster.com.
