ECES students host their own Olympic Games

Students and staff at École Carman Elementary School held their own Olympic Games on Feb. 26 and 27, featuring two days of themed activities and friendly competition.

The opening ceremonies began with students gathering in the school gym, sitting with their classmates while waving flags representing their class countries. Principal Mr. Beaudry delivered opening remarks before a parade of flags, with flag bearers from each class marching down the centre aisle carrying their class flag.

Grade 5 students then took part in the ceremony by reciting the Olympic motto and creed, explaining the meaning of the Olympic rings, and sharing the Oath of the Athletes.

Special guest Colleen Zacharias — who carried the Olympic torch through Carman ahead of the 2010 Winter Olympics — spoke about her experience participating in the official torch relay. Following her remarks, Zacharias helped begin the school’s torch run. When the torches reached the cauldron, two students lit it together, signifying the official opening of the school’s Olympic Games. Beaudry then declared the games officially open.

Students later gathered in team groups to begin their Olympic events. Activities included hockey, luge, bobsled, snowshoeing, biathlon, curling, figure skating, speed skating, skiing and Indigenous Games, with students participating in four events each day.

Due to weather conditions on Friday, the closing ceremonies were postponed until Monday.

Before the ceremony, each student received a custom-made medal to wear and keep. The school community gathered in the gym to watch a compilation video highlighting moments from the two-day event before the Olympic flame was extinguished to officially conclude the games.