NES GROWS celebrates Olympic Day with School Walkathon
Event one of more than 1800 nationwide events celebrating the birth of the modern Olympic Games
The spirit of the Olympic Movement rolled into Newbury, Massachusetts, as NES GROWS, Newbury Elementary School PTA committee, hosted a school Walkathon in celebration of Olympic Day.
NES GROWS’ Walkathon took place on June 12, 2015. 500+ Newbury Elementary School students in Kindergarten through 6th grade, participated in fun fitness activities while walking around the school and learned about what the Olympic rings represent by student created signs. Students finished the walkathon by racing over an Olympic themed finish line created by NES GROWS committee members.
Eileen Wallwork, Chairperson of the NES GROWS Schoolyard Rebuild Campaign, jumped at the opportunity to be part of the Olympic Day celebration when it was presented by fellow NES Parent and PTA Chair Belen Wieler-Hawes. “Once Belen introduced the concept of Olympic day to me and how it supports the Olympic movement and encourages children to lead healthy and active lives, I knew NES GROWS had to be part of the celebration. Olympic Day aligned perfectly with our mission to offer all Newbury Elementary School students an outdoor learning and play environment where the best of nature and sports can come together in a respectful manner. The children loved how we tied the Olympics into our event and learning about what the rings symbolized and experienced how fitness can be fun.”
The NES GROWS Walkathon is one of nearly 1800 events taking place nationwide between June 12 and July 20, 2015. The events, designed to engage youth and promote the ideals of the Olympic movement, feature athlete appearances, family-friendly activities and interactive learning experiences.
Around the world, more than 160 countries take part in the annual celebration. Olympic Day, created in 1948 to commemorate the birth of the modern Olympic Games, focuses on the Olympic values and ideals such as fair play, perseverance, respect and sportsmanship. In the U.S., Olympic Day events range from small gatherings to large, city-wide events.
For more information about the NES Grows Olympic Day activities, please contact Eileen Wallwork at NesGrows@gmail.com or Belen Wieler-Hawes at belenwieler@gmail.com
Newbury Elementary School GROWS 