By Juliana Miller
For The Alpine Sun
By Juliana Miller
For The Alpine Sun
On January 19, 2013 at Alpine Elementary School (AES) the Alpine Kiwanis club held their annual Youth Olympics. This event was free and open to all children ages 4-13. There were 12 events: Basketball dribble, soccer ball dribble, bicycle gymkhana, 20 meter races, 40 meter races, 60 meter races, softball throw, jump rope, pull/chin ups, sit ups, basketball free throw, and long jump. Boys and girls competed separately in four different age categories: Group one- 4/5/6, Group two- 7/8, Group three- 9/10, and Group four- 11/12/13. Awards were given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for each event, and each division for both boys and girls.
After sign in was complete the Boy Scouts of America led the opening ceremony. A Kiwanis club leader gathered both parents and competitors for a motivational speech. Soon after Willie and Carlita Coleman were brought up to the front for special recognition. These two talented young athletes started their promising career years ago at the annual Youth Olympics. Now in grades, four and six the siblings have traveled all over the world competing in multiple track events, winning lots of medals and trophies. The success of these two young athletes gives aspirations and dreams to other young athletes competing in the Youth Olympics.
The Kiwanis Club did an outstanding job in making the event fun and exciting for everyone. There was coffee, food, and drinks for both parents and athletes. With in style fun music playing for all to hear the ambiance was both upbeat and exciting. Children were not the only ones having fun, parents and siblings got a bit rowdy cheering on the young athletes. Additionally volunteers enjoyed dancing along with the music.
The annual Youth Olympics was an enlightening experience for all who attended it. For those who happened to miss out, make sure to mark your calendars for next year’s event. Parents with children ages four to thirteen this is a truly motivating and fun opportunity for you and your whole family.
