That’s me…running the Olympic Torch way back in 2002 (hence the grainy photo). 12 years ago. Wow! That year I was all about the Olympics. I was going to school nearby and was fortunate enough to run the Olympic Torch, volunteer at the Olympics and the Paralympics, and somehow still manage going to class and doing homework. It was one crazy semester but I will definitely always remember it. I have loved the Olympics even more since then. Anybody else a big Olympic fan? With the Olympics in full swing, I thought I’d share with you my review on the Olympic Training Center. I love that there is one Colorado Springs. It’s really neat to go down there and have that connection with the Olympics. That being said, however, I think it’s better for the older kids and adult than the little ones- not impossible with little ones, just better for the older ones. I think the Olympics can be so much fun and a great opportunity to teach about countries around the world, sportsmanship, integrity, determination, etc.
The Olympic Training Center is where athletes from around the world can come train. They have dorms on this location for athletes to stay and train for a few months. There are 12 resident sports at the Colorado Springs location: Basketball, Boxing, Fencing, Gymnastics, Judo, Modern Pentathlon, Shooting, Swimming, Triathlon, Volleyball, Weightlifting, and Wrestling. There are still athletes training at this time since it’s the Summer Olympic Sports here. The tour lasts about 45 minutes and begins with a brief, maybe 10 minute, video. The rest of the tour has you walking around the center learning about the history, purpose, and facts of the center. I like that you get to go into the different gyms and see the athletes actually training. I also like that they have different events throughout the year open to the public. I suggest going during one of these times and really seeing things in action. The kids got a little bored towards the end since they don’t really care about all the different sports (they were much younger too when we went) but you do walk a lot so that keeps them entertained a bit. I think seeing this facility and how the athletes do practice however, helps kids understand that all that Olympic talent on TV isn’t just natural, there is a lot of practice and learning that goes on before that 1 minute gold medal moment.
Something to be aware of: my kids yelled “Fire!” when we were in the parking lot because they could see the Olympic flame. So, you know, be careful so you don’t cause a scene.
What I liked: The fact that it’s the Olympics and the chance to point out dedication and sportsmanship.
What my kids liked: Running around outside and seeing a few gyms in action.
What my husband liked: How they explain all the training to you and what was what.
Call ahead if you have a group greater than 10 otherwise you can just show up. During the summer tours are every 1/2 hour and during the winter it’s every hour. To read more about this facility (and see pictures on a non-rainy day) check out Team USA’s site.
Have an Olympic craft or activity idea? Come join up on my linky party over on my blog.
Location: 1 Olympic Plaza 80909
Hours: 9am-4pm (4:30pm in the summer)
Cost: FREE!
Total Tour Time: 45 minutes
Rating: 3/5 While I enjoyed it, the tour was a little too long and boring for my younger kids. I find it’s geared more towards adults.
| I’m Camille, a mom of 5 great kiddos. I love creating fun, educational outings for my kids and sharing them with you! Make sure to check out my blog and like my Facebook page!
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