Article Text

The Olympic flame is not real, and the bobsleds are built from gymnastics mats and scooters. But for students at Greenbriar East Elementary School, the competition—and the teamwork it demands—feels genuine.

With the Winter Games underway in Italy, physical education classes across all grade levels are participating in the “GBE Games,” a series of Olympic-inspired activities adapted for the school gym.

Teams of four race across the floor in homemade bobsleds, with two students pushing while two ride and carry a torch. The torches are pool noodles topped with athletic flags, while a fan blows red and yellow plastic strips to create the school’s version of an Olympic cauldron.

“It is fun,” first grader Owen said after the bobsled event. “Sitting on it, holding the torch. It’s just exciting.”

The gym has been transformed with Olympic imagery. The five rings appear on a bulletin board alongside pictures of different events, while hallway posters introduce participating nations and track their changing medal totals.

For some younger students, the lessons are their first introduction to the Olympics. Physical education teacher Heather Maclauchlan said students watched three videos explaining the Games and their ability to promote unity through sports.

The lessons emphasize that people can play and celebrate together regardless of where they come from, who they are or what language they speak, Maclauchlan said.

Events rotate daily and include versions of speed skating, skeleton, slalom skiing, biathlon and curling. Gallon milk bottles take the place of heavy curling stones so students can slide them safely across the gym floor.

Beyond introducing winter sports, the activities require students to communicate, collaborate and solve problems. Those skills are part of the FCPS Portrait of a Graduate.

Owen said successful bobsled teams must coordinate their movements, with one student controlling each side. If one pushes harder or moves faster, the sled veers off course.

“The students really get to work together and solve problems,” Maclauchlan said, including how to keep the sled on track and resolve conflicts during the activity.

The Games have also sparked interest in trying winter sports outside school. Fourth grader Aizah said she would like to attempt speed skating because she enjoys running but dislikes hot weather.

Her classmate Charlotte chose figure skating, inspired by Fairfax County skater Ilia Malinin and his aerial quadruple rotations.

Some first graders are already imagining their own medal hauls. Owen predicted he could win at least one medal, while River aimed for five. Gabriella was even more ambitious: She said she would be satisfied with 20.