MONROVIA – Kim Rhode, a six-time Olympic medalist in double trap and skeet shooting, joined nearly 500 Monrovia Unified fourth- and fifth-graders from the District’s five elementary schools for the 12th annual Monrovia Unified Elementary Olympic Games on March 30 at Monrovia High School’s Wildcat Stadium.

Monrovia Unified students, teachers, District administrators and community members joined Rhode in cheering on students throughout the daylong event as they competed in the 100-yard dash, 4×400 relay, softball throws, football punt and jump rope, among other events.

“This is the future of sports and a good way for me to give back to my community,” said Rhode, a Monrovia resident for the last 13 years. “I wanted all these students to know that nobody’s perfect – it’s about how you look to overcome obstacles and achieve your dreams.”

Each of Monrovia Unified’s five elementary schools held tryouts to create the teams of 15 boys and 15 girls who competed in the track and field events.

“Physical activity is very important to instill into young students like these, and adding a friendly rivalry into the mix makes it all the more fun and challenging,” said Monrovia Unified Board Member Rob Hammond, who helped award medals during the closing ceremony. “The competitors in our Elementary Olympic Games each year never cease to impress, and having an Olympian out here to boost their confidence is very special for us all.”

While their track and field teams competed, students in the audience danced with the California Dance Institute and jumped rope for the American Heart Association. About 100 Monrovia High School students judged event participants and mentored their younger peers throughout the day.

To conclude the ceremonies, Rhode presented the gold medals to the winning students and celebrated with students as Wild Rose Elementary took home the Spirit Stick for showing the most sportsmanship while Monroe Elementary took home the Monrovia Elementary Olympics trophy for scoring the most event points for the first time in 12 years.

“Dana Elliott, fourth-grade teacher and the architect of these games, has created an opportunity for our students to engage in friendly competition,” Monrovia Unified Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian said. “The fact that they listened to a couple of personal stories by an Olympian made the day even more powerful.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

041317_MUSD_MEOGAMES1: A Bradoaks Elementary student passes the baton to his teammate during the 4×400 relay in the 12th annual Monrovia Elementary Olympic Games on March 30 held at Monrovia High School’s Wildcat Stadium.

041317_MUSD_MEOGAMES1: A Monroe Elementary student takes a grand leap in the long jump competition during the 12th annual Monrovia Elementary Olympic Games on March 30 held at Monrovia High School’s Wildcat Stadium.

041317_MUSD_MEOGAMES2: Special medals were reserved for Kim Rhode (right), a six-time Olympic medalist in double trap and skeet shooting, and her mother Sharon Rhode after they joined nearly 500 Monrovia Unified fourth- and fifth-graders from the District’s five elementary schools as honored guests during the 12th annual Monrovia Unified Elementary Olympic Games on March 30 held at Monrovia High School’s Wildcat Stadium.