Share

Olympics party!

accreditation

Often kids are completely taken with the fun, the competitive nature and camaraderie the Olympics bring.

Therefore, throwing an Olympic-themed birthday party would be a hit for your little one and a parenting win for you!

But before there are any parties, invitations need to be sent out! You could download and print out these clever medallion invites and attach a ribbon to it. 


(Your Baby magazine)

On your marks...

The Olympic torch holds quite a bit of significance. A lot of focus is placed on the torch at the opening ceremony of the games.

You could create a torch to officially start your little one's Olympic birthday party games.

You could also just use an outdoor torch and let your little one light it.


(iStock)

Get set...

Athletes from around the world have to register before taking part in the games.

Let the kids at the party "register" for the games:

  • Classify them - give them countries they will represent
  • Have the countries flags printed, maybe A5 or A4 paper size, and secure it to their tops with safety pins
  • Have their names printed and pin it to the tops, but on their backs

Go!!!

Let the fun begin! Games are probably the most important thing for kids, so here are a few ideas to keep them happy and active:

  • Sack races
  • Egg and spoon races
  • Three sticks 
  • Bean-bag throw 
  • Short sprints
  • Tug of war
  • Three-legged race
  • An obstacle course

There are many games you could play. Make sure the difficulty of the game matches the age group of the children attending your child's birthday party.

We are the champions!

Because the day is meant to be full of fun and happiness, give all athletes a gold medal for participation, even though there may be winners for the various games you prepare.

You could make a podium for photographic purposes, but not to single one child out from the rest, because that may cause some animosity.

A way to include a podium in the birthday celebrations, one which shouldn't wreak havoc, is to make an awesome podium cake.  


(Your Baby magazine)

To make the cake: 

  • Cut a 26cm sponge cake in half.
  • Beat 500g of margarine, a drop of vanilla essence and 4 cups of icing sugar together to form a rich butter icing. Set ¼ of this aside.
  • Sandwich the two halves on top of one another using some jam or icing.
  • Cut away at the sides to form the 3 different podium levels.
  • Ice the cake all over with the white icing you have mixed.
  • Split the ¼ of icing set aside in 5 equal parts and colour each blue, green, red, yellow and black using food colouring.
  • Use a piping bag for each of these colours to ice the Olympic rings on the front of the podium. Use the black icing to ice 1st, 2nd and 3rd place markers on the podium too.
  • Plastic medals can be bought from selected toy stores and party shops. Place these on the podium or leave space for candles.
  • And voila!

You could also add a simple extra to cupcakes - mini flags of different countries:


(iStock)

Try to keep things easy and simple for everyone, especially yourself. Hosting a party usually keep us on our toes, even more when it's for the kids.

At the end of your child's Olympic birthday games, give each of your little athlete-guests a goody bag filled with little snacks and perhaps a small toy to thank them for coming.

Have you had an Olympic themed birthday party for your little one? Email chatback@parent24.com and tell us (or show us) what you did!

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE