Advice for teachers

Why should School Olympics be held? Jaanus Järvoja, principal of Nõo Gymnasium that has organised five “Ancient Olympics”, gives the following advice, both positive and negative:

• If a school has money available and you don’t know what to do with it – organize the School Olympic Games! 
• If you want students to have a break from studying – organise the School Olympic Games! 
• If you want to give subject teachers a reason to be discontented for missing their whole day’s classes again - organise the School Olympic Games!
• If you want to listen to the resentments of class- and gym teachers about why dthey have to sit the entire day in the stadium again - organize the School Olympic Games!
• If you want the responsibility for the correct usage of project funds - organize the School Olympic Games!
• If you wish to communicate with local residents that are not happy with the noise coming from the stadium all day - organize the School Olympic Games! 
• If you have free time and you don’t know what to do with it – organize the School Olympic Games and let yourself be elected to the steering committee!

The EOA is glad to see that many teachers, leisure-time managers and sports managers that passed the School Olympic Games organization training have nevertheless decided to overcome all these obstacles and organize the School Olympic Games at their school, regardless of the fact that organizing the School Olympics event is a huge undertaking that is accompanied by an unbelievable amont of nervewracking, voluntary extra work. The organiser of a School Olympics event has to take into consideration that this would be a big, school-wide event that needs thorough preparation and previous contests. School Olympics is not a regular sports day, but a more complex event that incorporates more diverse activities. School Olympics should be accessible to all students, regardless of their different interests and physical capabilities. Those who don't get a medal in a sports competition, may get their recognition in a poem or art contest instead. Numerous schools have also offered an opportunity to participate in their school olympics to teachers, parents and spectators, not only students and Olympic athletes. 

Dear teachers, do not be afraid to think big! With the School Olympics, many schools have found a new, exciting, educational and progressive tradition – a wonderful opportunity to bring young people away from computer games and towards athletic activities. We hope that the following additional material encourages you and gives you confidence to organise Olympic Games at your own school!