Day one of Olympics started sunny and ended sunny, so everyone was a winner! The colorful team shirts sprinkled morning line-up with flashes of red, orange, yellow, light blue, navy blue, and white. The excitement was palpable. By mid-morning, the Olympic Rings competition was underway. Comprised of a series of intellectual contests, Olympic Rings involves puzzle-solving, games, and trivia – all relating to camp. Unlike other events which feature a single age-group or a handful of stellar athletes, Olympic Rings includes all divisions working together to advance to the next station. Juniors run next to Hi-Seniors, cheering each other on in the pursuit of victory.

At lunch, each team tested out their newly-written team chant. Marching into the dining hall from the outside porch, the teams took turns clapping and stomping their way into the center of the room. The chants were loud and spirited, and got everyone hyped up for the afternoon competition.

After a much-needed rest period, the afternoon kicked off with the Athletic Games. Teams rotated through sports like basketball, ultimate frisbee, and bombardment for Seniors and Hi-seniors, and kickball and newcomb for Juniors. The pool featured water polo, and everyone was happy to participate after yesterday’s deluge! During sixth period, rec swim brought all of the countries together for some fun in the sun (YAY!). 

This evening, the teams returned to the courts and fields for more athletic contests. New match-ups, new winners, renewed team spirit. Sweaty, but elated, faces. Captains praising their teams for a job well done. The Owego brotherhood was on full display. We may be competitors on the playing fields, but we are family at the end of the day. Those bonds are unbreakable.