Seth Doe, from the United States, lights the Olympic cauldron as he announces the Olympic proclamation. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
SOUTHWICK – As the world began watching the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia today, students at Woodland Elementary School had a celebration of their own.
The school has been transformed to Sochiland thanks to joint efforts by staff. Students in all grades will begin “competing” in Olympic-style events Monday and the fourth grade kicked it off with an opening ceremony today.
Physical Education teacher Shawn Ofterfund has been conducting the Woodland Olympiad for two decades and said it is something the entire school looks forward to every four years.
“Each class is divided into four countries and each has a representative for their country holding a flag,” said Ofterfund.
To prepare for the five-week Olympic games at Woodland, Ofterfund has been teaching students about the history of the Olympics, from its origins in ancient Greece to the modern event.
“It is the largest sporting event in the world,” said Ofterfund. “We’re talking about the events, the city, the culture and more.”
Because of their age, Ofterfund said most students do not know a lot about the Olympics. She is changing that with help from the rest of the staff and students are engaged in the lessons.
“They have started bringing posters to their classrooms representing their country and everyone is excited,” said Ofterfund.
Competition among students in grades three and four will be tracked and the winning country will receive medals. There will also be awards for good sportsmanship.
“We had a great opening ceremony and one of our students from Russia gave a statement with a translator – it was a lot of fun,” said Ofterlund.
Sochiland has 104 athletes representing 24 countries at its Olympics.
