Friday, Aug. 22, 2008
Mom on the Street
With summer waning and our kids not yet back in school, many families have had the opportunity to gather around the TV to watch the Olympic Summer Games. Like many, my family caught Olympic fever.
We loved the spectacular opening ceremony. My boys were awed when Yao Ming marched into the stadium with the little boy who saved two of his classmates during that country’s recent earthquake.
Dara Torres, the 41-year-old American swimmer and mom entering her fifth Olympics, awed me.
Having met Michael Phelps here in Southlake a few years ago during his visit to the Carroll ISD Aquatics Center, we were cheering loudly for him to win his record-breaking eight gold medals.
One of the other fun aspects about watching the Olympics is the chance to check out more obscure sports such as badminton, handball and synchronized swimming. Not to mention getting a much-needed break from Bob Costas, the official host of Olympic wrap-ups.
So, this week Mom on the Street asks, what is your favorite event to watch during the games?
Carrie McKinney of Southlake said she has loved watching the Olympics with the whole family and sharing all of the amazing moments.
"In the summer, we like the track and field, diving and gymnastics events. We also thought the opening show was the best Olympic ceremony ever. It was so creative. ... It was so cool!" McKinney said.
Linda Williams of Grapevine has enjoyed more than just the events.
"We enjoy the volleyball, basketball, soccer and cycling events, but we also really like hearing all of the amazing stories behind the Olympic athletes. There are so many remarkable stories … and it’s a great time to teach children not only about different cultures and sports, but about overcoming obstacles and trying to do your best at everything in life," Williams stated.
The Olympic Creed, which appeared on the scoreboard during the opening ceremony, says it well: "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well."
That’s a pretty good little nugget of truth to take with us as the games — and summer — come to an end and the year shifts back into high gear.
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