Challenge, struggle, elevation, celebration.
The Steiner Waldorf Olympic Games of all the fifth grader students.
All of the Class Fifth from every Waldorf institution in the country meet every year and compete in a large-scale, serious event, the Olympic Games, modeled after the ancient Greeks.
A celebration of cooperation and perseverance. Children can marvel at the power inherent in them, and they are formed into a community by competing for each other (and not against each other).
A magic that happens every year.
The fifth-graders lined up in snow-white togas, sewn and decorated by themselves, marched under the flags of the Greek city-states for the festive opening. With a determined look, excited and serious.
The big day has come! What they have been preparing for all year. During their studies in the year, they got to know ancient mythology and history, learned about Greek gods, listened to Indian and Babylonian stories, and immersed themselves in ancient geography. They exercised, trained and ran every day – already two kilometers a day as the day of the Olympics approached. They learned the javelin throw, discus throwing, practiced various jumps, and wrestled with each other amidst great laughter. They sewed their togas, decorated them with Greek motifs, and embroidered them.
Two days before the Olympics, they lived on site, painted a flag, trained, students from different schools got to know each other and polished each other, becoming sports partners. They prepared for the holiday together.
Finally, the Olympic flame was lit, the games began!
Marathon running, sprinting, high jump, long jump, wrestling, discus throwing, javelin throw, and finally relay race, where the relay baton has already traveled between the city-states.
Who won in the end? Everybody!
The first finisher in the marathon did a fantastic work. But the continuous applause was not only for him, but for everyone, until the very last one crossed the finish line. He, who strained his last strength, was surrounded by the others, running beside him and encouraging them to the finish line. Perhaps the last accomplished something even greater than the first. Everyone surpassed themselves, everyone won and became more and became richer as a result.
They fought and passed the test!
The results announcement did not announce a winner. The coaches and teachers looked each child in the eye and individually highlighted his strengths, recognized his work, and hung the Olympic medal around his neck.
This Olympics is happening together, for each other.
The one who you can be better is your own yesterday’s self.
Check out the Roman Camp in Steiner Schools!
