On Friday, May 17th, the second-annual Little Lion Olympics will kick-off a day of healthy athletic competition and Olympic-style events with the Opening Ceremony at 9:00 a.m. Fourth and fifth-grade students from Coggin Elementary and Brownwood Intermediate School will enter the field carrying their custom-made flags and take part in the National Anthem, the reading of the Olympic Oath and witness the lighting of the torch and the release of doves, before the games officially begin.
The Little Lion Olympics was formed last year from collaborative ideas generated from the School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC).
“My love for running and track and field was established at an early age because I was lucky enough to go to a school that had elementary track meets,” said Stefenia Phipps, Intermediate P.E. Teacher, coach, and Little Lion Olympics coordinator. “I hope this event gets students enthusiastic about being involved in track and gives them an experience they will never forget.”
“An event this size requires a lot of team work and support,” noted Phipps. “Both schools, Coggin Elementary and Brownwood Intermediate, have to work closely together to get students and teachers organized.”
Coaches from both schools coordinate the students and events. Coach Green (Coggin P.E. Teacher), Coach Brown (BIS P.E. Teacher), and Coach Phipps prepare students for their events and get them placed into their races. “Coach Hood has been a vital part in supporting all schools and organizing track meets for our students,” said Phipps. “The support staff at each school is invaluable for sending out communication to teachers and students. The SHAC committee members also do a great job of raising money and generating ideas to make Little Lion Olympics bigger and better each year.”
Phipps noted that community support is also very important to the success of the Little Lion Olympics. “We are thankful that our local businesses see the importance of getting youth involved in activities,” said Phipps. The top sponsors for the Little Lion Olympics include Pepsico, Barr Fabrication, Mr. and Mrs. Morgan, Runaway Train, Blaylock Funeral Home, and Guardian EMS. The list of top sponsors is also available online at www.brownwoodisd.org/llosponsors.
“We would also like to thank our parent volunteers and Coach Kennedy who help make the day of the track meet a success,” said Phipps noting that the event is still in need of volunteers. “Anyone with enthusiasm and energy who is willing to be positive and supportive to young athletes can volunteer to help with Little Lion Olympics.” Individuals interested in volunteering can sign up at the Brownwood ISD Central Office, Brownwood Intermediate School, or Coggin Elementary.
Volunteers have been a crucial asset to the games, and this year Phipps indicated there would be some changes and improvements to help streamline the events throughout the day. “Last year was a learning experience for everyone involved,” said Phipps. “In the first year of a large coordinated event, there are going to be issues that need to be improved. For example, we have developed better ways to organize all 500 students and have increased funds to award more students ribbons and medals. Every year the track meet will grow as everyone gets familiar with the routine.”
Teachers, coaches, and volunteers are not the only ones who spend time preparing for the Little Lion Olympics. Competing students also put a lot of effort into training for the events. “To get prepared for Little Lion Olympics, students practice the javelin throw, modified shot put, long jump, and hurdles,” said Phipps. “In P.E., students have worked on running techniques and handoffs throughout the year.”
With a growing focus on the health of students, the event provides several positive benefits to the students involved. “The Little Lion Olympics will prepare students to become future athletes, get involved in activities to stay healthy, know the importance of teamwork, and learn about Olympic traditions,” explained Phipps. “The benefits of track and field are endless. The more students we can get excited about track and field at an early age the more it will benefit all Brownwood physical education and athletic programs. I am looking forward to a great Little Lion Olympics, and I hope it becomes a tradition for all future Brownwood athletes and students.”
Pictured at top – Brownwood Intermediate School Principal, Charles Chesser, holds the torch during the 2012 Little Lion Olympics opening ceremony.
Schedule of Events
9:00 – Opening Ceremony
* All teams walk into the stadium carrying their original flags with grand entry music (See map) Follow the entry arrows to the x’s. Everyone will be facing the press box.
* Lighting of the Torch
* Reading of the Olympic Oath (everyone repeat) and Olympic Creed
* Release of the Doves
* National Anthem
* Declare the Games officially BEGIN!!
9:30 – 4th grade RUN (middle of the Field)
– 50 yard hurdles (Girls and boys report to the Girl sideline)
– 50 yard dash
– 100 yard dash – *Sponsored by The Runaway Train*
– 400 yard dash (on the Track with 5th grade)
– 800 yard run (on the Track with 5th grade)
– 400 yard Relay
9:30 – 5th grade Field Events / Long Distance Run (on track and outer)
1. Long Jump – * Sponsored by Pepsico*
2. Shot Put – *Sponsored by John and Mary Alice Morgan*
3. Javelin Throw – * Sponsored by Blaylock Funeral Home*
4. 800 run – 4th grade girls and boys
– 5th grade girls and boys
5. 400 Run – 4th grade girls and boys
– 5th grade girls and boys
6. Tug-of War – * Sponsored by Barr Fabrication*
11:30 – 12:30 – Lunch
**We will have a full concession stand. The meal deals can be redeemed at the concession stand by telling them the students name. We will have a sack lunch for students who normally have school lunch. Water and gatorade will also be at the concession stand. Volunteers and teachers will have lunch provided.
12:30 – SWITCH Running and Field Events
12:30 – 5th grade Run (on track)
– 50 yard
– 50 yard hurdles
– 100 yard dash
– 200 yard dash
– 400 yard RELAY
– 800 yard RELAY
– Mile RELAY
12:30 – 4th Grade Field Events ( around the track)
1. Long Jump
2. Basketball Throw
3. Javelin
4. Tug-of-War
2:00 – CLOSING CEREMONY
* Extinguish the flame
* Games over
* Clean up
