Olympics Day at Canyon School

Two days before the Los Angeles Marathon, Canyon Charter School students participated in a marathon of their own last Friday at the school’s annual Olympics Day. Fifth-grader Olivia Allchorn proudly led the parade of classes in her wheelchair because for the first time ever the theme honored the Special Olympic Games. Many banners celebrated the Winter Olympics in Vancouver and Ms. Hamilburg’s kindergarteners were amazed: “To them it’s just P.E.,” she said laughing. “They’ll understand it better when they’re actually running.” Olympics Day also serves as a school fundraiser and parents mobilized support for public education with preprinted letters addressed to federal, state and local government officials. Dressed for the occasion, Principal Joyce Dara opened the assembly. Fourth-grader and Junior Olympics rhythmic gymnastics candidate Desiree Webb encouraged good sportsmanship by reciting the “Olympic Oath.” Then Allchorn returned to the spotlight, placing the homemade torch into position. Parent Ellie Laita announced “this torch will burn for the duration of these games. Never ever give up in the spirit of this flame.” Students warmed up with stretches before hitting the two tracks on the grass field in 10-minute intervals. “Thirteen laps on the big course is a mile and it’s about 17 laps on the smaller one,” Coach Joey Medaglia claimed. “I know they’re ready because I’ve built them up to run for six minutes and we’ve been playing a lot more running games like Capture the Flag.” First-grader Owen Cooper called it “my favorite day at school because I love sports.” Fourth-grader Cameron Shine felt he reached a new personal-best of 20 laps and third-grader Jade Hosoi said Olympics Day is exciting because “I didn’t know what was going to happen.” Everyone got a special Olympics Day t-shirt, water, a popsicle and a ribbon necklace. Instead of gold, silver and bronze medals, an iPod Touch and two iPod Nanos will be randomly raffled off to lucky students after spring break. The class with the most pledges will get to an enjoy an ice cream party. “It’s all about the kids and that’s what makes Olympics Day so worthwhile and special,” said outgoing chairperson Karen Parcell. Experiencing the event for the first time, Dara was beyond impressed: “It was an incredible community event exemplifying fitness, community, spirit, and peace! What a joy to see the children run together with parents and staff cheering them on–all to help support our school and its student body.”