By Betty Gandee
Starting out with a rainy week, the outback Olympics got changed from what was initially a two-day event down to one full day of excitement for the kids of Clay County.
Starting the day out on April 18, facing the cold morning, was 3rd – 5th grade. Kids from Big Otter, Clay, H.E. White, and Lizemore elementary took part in this special activity. As the sun began to warm things up a bit, grades K-2nd arrived to show what they could do and compete for gold, silver, and bronze awards.
This year’s organizer was Coach Jamie McDonough, or as the parents call him, “Donut.” He says that there are weeks of planning and brainstorming that goes into making sure everything goes smoothly and all the children have fun. People think it’s an easy task but you have to keep it organized to keep it from getting chaotic. He says that the activities used were from past field days and some new ones this year that others have used and enjoyed. “Everything I do is for the kids. I remember participating in these events and how much fun it was. I just want to bring that to the kids, like it was brought to me. With the competitive nature and involvement these kids keep me young at heart.” Coach McDonough stresses the importance of events like these to raise interest in physical activity and to have fun while doing it.
The students spent the day competing in events such as relay race, water balloon toss, jump rope, egg balancing, and many more. Each class had gold, silver, and bronze winners and none went away empty handed. They each were awarded a metal for their hard work and effort. Smiles and popsicle finished up the day as each one walked away with a sense of achievement. A big thank you to board of education, cooks, Michelle Paxton, Felicia Nutter and Tasha McDonough for all their help in keeping things organized. As well as the staff and parents from each school for making 2018 outback Olympics a huge success.
