The Rio Summer Olympics start this weekend and our kids are finally at an age where they can appreciate the excitement of the games. Mine are “summer sport” kids with my 5 year old son currently obsessed with soccer {“football”} and my 8 year old daughter working hard to learn a front handspring in gymnastics.
I want to watch the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics with intention this month, using the games as a way to engage our children in conversations about sports, competition, winning, losing and working hard to achieve their dreams. So today I’m sharing a few conversation starters and viewing ideas for those that want to join us!
Family Conversation Starters for the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics
Ask these questions while discussing the Olympics at dinner, bedtime or in the car. Keep the games at the center of your conversation over the next few weeks, connecting the dots between sports and our journey with Jesus.
- What is your favorite sport in the Summer Olympics? Is there one you’d like to learn?
- Why do athletes need to train for the Olympics? How long do you think they’ve been training?
- What does it mean to train with endurance?
- How do you think training for a sport is like our relationship with God?
- What do you think these athletes do when they have a bad day training or playing their sport?
- What should we do when we have a tough time with something we’ve been working hard on – a sport, project, assignment or relationship?
- Do you think athletes compare themselves to other athletes? Is it helpful to compare ourselves to others? What should we do instead?
- Mastering a sport is hard and takes lots of time and training. What does God say about our ability to do hard things?
- When we succeed in a sport or anything we’ve worked hard on, what should be our attitude toward God and others?
- Winning at sports or other goals we have for ourselves is exciting! God wants us to work hard and use our talents well and for his glory. But beyond winning at things here on earth, what should be our ultimate goal in life?
5 Bible Verses to Read While Watching and Discussing the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics
On working hard, beyond our own strength. . .
Philippians 4:13 – “ I can do all things through Christ because he gives me strength.” {ICB}
On pressing through, even when we fail at first. . .
Philippian 3:13-14 – “Brothers, I know that I have not yet reached that goal. But there is one thing I always do: I forget the things that are past. I try as hard as I can to reach the goal that is before me. I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize. That prize is mine because God called me through Christ to the life above.” {ICB}
On not comparing ourselves to others. . .
Galatians 6:4-5 – “He should not compare himself with others. Each person should judge his own actions. Then he can be proud for what he himself has done. Each person must be responsible for himself.” {ICB}
On enduring through trials and training. . .
James 1:2-4 – “My brothers, you will have many kinds of troubles. But when these things happen, you should be very happy. You know that these things are testing your faith. And this will give you patience. Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete. You will have everything you need.” {ICB}
On giving God the glory, no matter what. . .
Colossians 3:21 – “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” {ESV}
Viewing Ideas for the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics
- Invite friends/family over for opening/closing ceremonies. Serve Rio themed food and drinks.
- Plan a family viewing event surrounding your favorite sport and/or its medal ceremony. Use your favorite movie/game night menu or serve foods from the countries you’ll be watching.
- Choose a sport your family isn’t familiar with, watch and learn more about it.
- If your child is involved in a sport represented in the games, invite their friends/teammates over to view the competition together.
- Plan your own family Summer Olympics with fun or silly games, a schedule, award ceremony and prizes. Watch the games then break for your own competition. Include simple, age-appropriate games you can play inside the house or in your yard.
Visit rio2016.com to view schedules and decide which events you don’t want to miss! Download and print our Family Olympic Schedule to write in your must-see events and plan viewing parties.
Some of our other favorite resources for watching and experiencing the Olympics as a family:
- Our friends at JellyTelly have put together this awesome {+ FREE} Summer Olympics Activity Pack.
- Best apps for watching {+ playing along with} the games…
Use the NBC Olympics App for schedules and coverage of the games.
If your kids need a little modern-motivation to engage in the games, let them play alongside with the Rio 2016 Olympic Games App which allows you to virtually play Olympic sports!
Will you be watching the Summer Olympics with your family? What are your must-see events?
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