Skip to content

Erskine hosts Olympics with heart for playschool program

Erskine’s playschool children gave their hearts a solid workout just in time for Valentine’s Day with a morning full of games
92892stettlerERSKINE021815
A group of students attempts a manoeuvre in the “figure skating” event during the Love our Heart Olympics held at Erskine School on Friday

Erskine’s playschool children gave their hearts a solid workout just in time for Valentine’s Day with a morning full of games that got them moving all over.

The school hosted its second annual Love our Heart Olympics on Friday, Feb. 13, an event organized by playschool supervisor Darlene Philpot and the Grade 6 students.

“We’re loving our hearts,” said Philpot, explaining that the event is a departure from traditional Valentine’s Day activities.

As February is Heart and Stroke Month, it seemed like an ideal time to invite the kids to get active and have fun doing it, she said.

The playschool kids taking part in the games were joined by Grade 1 students, serving in something of a mentorship role.

The Grade 6 kids helped organize the games, most of which were held in the gym. These included a triathlon, bobsledding on wheeled platforms, speed skating and figure skating — both done without actual skates, of course.

Ball hockey was also set up in an adjacent hallway, where kids were divided into teams and challenged each other using mini sticks.

“I plan to keep it a tradition for as long as I am here,” said Philpot, adding that helping to organize the games gave the Grade 6 students “their first taste of responsibility.”

The games were followed by a medal ceremony, in which competitors were awarded paper medallions adorned with chocolate hearts. Healthy snacks were also served, including fresh fruit and veggies, granola and chocolate milk.

“I have a feeling we’re going to have a lot of tuckered children this afternoon,” Philpot observed.