2008 was a pretty busy year for womens’ sports and while the Olympics were the highlight of my year, there was so much more that happened. My friends Jane at Pretty Tough and Megan at Because I Played Sports put together a really nice video highlight real of 2008 in women’s sports.
I am looking forward to 2009 as we start to get the build up to the Winter Olympics in 2010, start seeing some new faces in the summer sports as we rebuild for London 2012, and of course, watching my own athletes (my children and the ones I coach) grow in their respective sports.
My youngest turned 7 this week and when it came time to plan her birthday party, I wasn’t surprised when some of the ideas she came up with had to do with sports. Having an active birthday party gives kids the opportunity to test out a new sport or activity in a fun, non-competitive environment and the kids get to expend all their energy in a safe, healthy manner.
Depending on where you live, the season, and your budget, your choices will vary, but here are some ideas for sports birthday parties.
Gymnastics - Just about every gymnastics school offers birthday parties. Why? Gymnastics is the basis of all sports and is a natural choice for active kids. From obstacle courses, jumping on trampolines, climbing through foam pits, and other gymnastics games, a gymnastics party is a very popular option. Some gyms offer indoor inflatable playgrounds, rock wall climbing and themed parties. (Check out this cute Girl Time Gymnastics Deluxe Party Kit)
Ice skating - My daughter chose an ice skating party and we found it to be the best value in town. We have access to the party room for 90 minutes which includes pizza and we’ll bring cake, but the party guests can stay and additional 90 minutes to skate during public session. Three hours of ice skating, skate rental, pizza, and the party room for less than $15 per child is a great deal.
Roller skating or inline skating - similar to the ice skating party, roller skating or inline skating are very popular activities for birthday parties. Get the Jock Jams, Volume 1 CD and see if they will play it for the kids to skate to - guaranteed fun!
Mini Golf - We have done mini golf parties with my son and his friends a few times. The kids have fun, its outdoors, easy for all to participate and affordable.
Swimming - If you have an indoor pool in the area, check to see if they do parties. For a winter birthday, swimming can be a real treat! Of course, swimming outdoors in the summer is always a popular choice.
Indoor soccer - we have a indoor sports facility near by that has indoor soccer fields. They put on great birthday parties (especially for younger kids 5-8) filled with soccer drills, scrimmages, obstacle courses and silly but active games.
Bowling - Who doesn’t love bowling? Even the parents will want to get in on the fun. Contact your local bowling alley for special party packages.
Of course, if you have the space, the energy and a bit of creativity you can hold an action packed party that your sporty child will love at home. It is easier to organize these in the summer when games and activities can be held outside.
The girl with the golden smile, Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson, has just released a new magazine/book that features pictures from her gymnastics career and family life, stories and quotes from coaches, Shawn and her family - all done in a fun, casual format that young gymnastics fans are sure to love!
You can order the book (signed or unsigned) and soon her Cheerios box, too, through Hy-Vee grocery stores. The book is also supposed to be available through Barnes & Noble.
You can visit the Hy-Vee site to get more information and to view some of the inside pages.
