Anne T. Dunphy Olympic Bobsledding!

This morning, our whole school met together in the gym for a special Opening Ceremony of our ATD Olympic Event. Mr. O shared with us some portions of the message shared at the ceremony in Milano by IOC President, Kirsty Coventry. Her words highlighted the Olympic values of courage, empathy, and friendship, urging the world to celebrate what unites us, using the African philosophy of "ubuntu" ("I am because we are.")

After that, Ms. Michelle introduced our challenge! Each class would be tasked with designing and building a bobsled! They could only use the materials provided - a set of cardboard boxes, a roll of duct tape, and a roll of masking tape. The bobsled must have at least 3 sides, and should fit 2 students.

Classes were also asked to select a country they would be representing, and were invited to decorate their bobsled accordingly!

The students gladly accepted this challenge! Classes discussed design options, researched countries... and then they were off!

After lunch, the athletes from all of our countries gathered outside for a parade of the athletes

and their bobsleds! Each country's athletes were met with wild cheers.

Countries represented were Nicaragua, Netherlands, Ireland, Turkey, Jamaica, Germany, USA, France, and Mongolia!

Classes trekked through the snow, following Mr. O carrying our torch, and worked together to lug their bobsleds to the top of the "track."

Two brave athletes at a time took their sled down the track toward their cheering teammates! Each student had at least one opportunity to ride the sled. Some adults even got in on the action!