Last updated at 13:35, Wednesday, 04 July 2012

WELLIE whanging and the slow bike race are not your average Olympic events.

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But it was all part of the fun at the Thwaites “Mini Olympics”.

Around 40 youngsters descended on Thwaites Village Hall field on Sunday to take part in the village event.

A choc-a-block programme, including the 60-metre dash and the javelin, saw children from around South Copeland pick up either gold, silver or bronze medals.
The event was organised by the village hall committee after the outdoor games at the annual gala were rained off.

Hazel Eady, chairwoman of the village hall, social and gala committees, said: “We’d normally have children’s races at the gala. But it didn’t happen this year because it was so wet.

“So, because it is the Olympic year, we decided to have our own mini event.

“We put our own spin on the Olympics, making our own equipment for the fun events.”

As well as the discus and other recognisable Olympic events, the children had a go at the spud and spoon race and slow bike race – battling to keep their balance the longest to claim the gold medal.

Mrs Eady said: “We had a podium for the winners and they all received either a gold, silver or bronze medal.

“Everyone entered in to the spirit of it. It really was excellent.

“The children have asked us to do it again next year, so they’ve obviously enjoyed it, which is what we did it for, to give them some fun and put the medals around their necks so they wouldn’t forget these Olympics.

“And because it was so successful, we’re considering doing it again next year, maybe not as the Olympics but as a fun sports day.”

Thwaites Gala Queen Imogen Park had the honour of carrying a model of the Olympic torch from her home, through the village and to the games.

Damp weather had threatened to ruin the event but thankfully the sun came out just in time and brought all the competitors with it.

The committee raised £200 for the village hall fund at the event.

First published at 11:47, Wednesday, 04 July 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk