Running for All the World in the Junior Olympics

Students at Meadows Elementary School took part Friday in the third annual Junior Olympic Games, an event designed to educate them about the countries around the world that participate in the games and to test the students’ physical fitness.

Fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders were divided into teams, with each team representing a different country. Over the weeks they have learned the national anthems and history of their respective countries.

Just as in the Olympics, students got to light a torch before the games began. They participated in events such as the 100-yard dash, shot put, mile relay and high jump.

“It’s really fun because you get to stand at the podium and get ribbons and medals,” said Noelle McShane, whose team won the gold medal for the one-mile relay for sixth-grade girls.

“It’s just like the Olympics.”