In the midst of the chaos of 2020, from homeschool to masks to the upcoming elections, one topic has been brushed under the rug, the postponing of the Summer Olympic Games. The Summer Games are an opportunity for us as a country, and as families, to come together to support our athletes as they compete at summer sporting events, from swimming to volleyball to track and field. While the “official” games are postponed, there is no reason to delay this comradery. This is a call to all of our couch olympiads!

DIY Olympic Games are a way to keep your family active, while fostering some healthy competition. The rules and regulations vary from game to game but they all have one thing in common, the award ceremony. As you begin planning and competing in your home Olympic Games, you’ll come to find that the award ceremony, from the creation of the awards, to the playing of the national anthems, is the best part.

There are two main requirements to each DIY Olympic Medal, the ribbon to hang your hardware from and the medal itself. Ribbons can be made from a number of materials, from floss to string or yarn to ribbons. The medals on the other hand, can be made from colored cardstock or decorated bottle caps or even painted seashells. Glitter glue and paint are great ways to decorate these medals and make them shine! Fixing the ribbons to the medals will vary, but you can punch holes through the medals and tie them, or super/hot glue them together depending on the material. Ultimately, you can personalize each medal to coordinate with specific events, or make a distinct medal for each year.

Once the medals are created, you’re ready for the best part, the ceremonies! Line up the medal winners ascending up a staircase starting with the bronze medal. Announce each winner as they take their “podium” and let them celebrate. Finally, once the gold medalist has made the stage, play the national anthem from the country they chose to represent (it’s ok if everyone wants to be the USA!). Of course, don’t forget to take pictures and videos!!

If you have any videos or pictures you’d like to share of your DIY Olympic Medals, or if you have a DIY Olympic Game suggestion, fill out our form to be included on the page. If you’re submitting a game, make sure to include the rules and regulations!