Mini-Olympics give local kids skills through play today

YOUNGSTOWN

More than 60 students from Zion Christian Early Learning Center showed their patriotism during their first Olympics Day.

Children from ages 6 weeks to 12 sported blue, yellow, black, green and red colors and carried flags through a Wednesday morning parade beginning with a rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” outside Zion Lutheran Church, 3300 Canfield Road.

Geniene Hankey, learning center administrator, said the driving force behind the mock-athletic event was the children’s pronounced interest in this year’s Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“We thought, ‘What can we do to further this interest?’” she said.

Children moved out of their comfort zones trying a variety of different activities, including long jump, hurdles, beach volleyball, relay races and obstacle courses.

Hankey said the opportunity was more than to just get physically active. The events also improved younger age groups’ growth and motor skills.

“They are learning through play,” she said.

Read more about the event in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.