Backyard Olympics

What it is

A sports day turned into an Olympic Games. Children are split into teams, each representing a country, and compete across a mix of classic garden races and silly challenges. Points go on a big scoreboard and everyone finishes on the podium.

Plan ahead

• Two weeks before: send invitations as “athlete accreditation passes” and ask guests to wear trainers.
• One week before: buy or borrow sacks (pillowcases work), spoons, plastic eggs, a rope, sponges and buckets, and medals for every child.
• The day before: mark out a track with cones or string, draw up the scoreboard on a big sheet of card, and write the event list.

Set the scene

Hang flag bunting along the fence. Make a three-level podium from sturdy boxes or crates, labelled 1, 2 and 3. Put the scoreboard on an easel. Play stadium music from a speaker.

Activities

The events

1. Sack race: hop to the finish line in a sack.
2. Egg-and-spoon: walk or run carrying a (plastic or hard-boiled) egg on a spoon.
3. Three-legged race: pairs tie their inside legs together with a band or scarf.
4. Long jump: jump from a line into a sandpit or onto a mat and measure it.
5. Welly throw: who can throw a wellington boot the furthest?
6. Water-sponge relay: soak a sponge in a bucket, run, squeeze it into an empty bucket. Most water in 3 minutes wins.
7. Tug of war: team versus team, best of three.

Scoring

3 points for 1st, 2 for 2nd, 1 for 3rd in each event. Give bonus points for team spirit so the youngest team stays in contention.

Food and drink

• “Athlete fuel”: wraps, sandwiches and sausage rolls
• Orange segments at half time
• Ice lollies
• Cake shaped like a gold medal or an Olympic rings cake made from five ring doughnuts

Tips

• Mix ages within each team so it’s fair.
• Make sure every child gets a medal - give special awards like “best runner up” or “best team cheer”.
• Put the water-sponge relay last; kids will get wet.