Sandra Gebhardt
August 08, 2024
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What's Happening Powell Newsletter |
Trivia Questionâť“In the 1900 Paris Olympics, an unusual event was included in the Games where athletes competed in which unique sport? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Local Powell Events |
Joke Of The Week |
Why did the runner stop listening to music during the Olympics? Because they heard they were being charged with doping! |
Quote Of The Week |
"Hard days are the best because that's where champions are made." - Gabby Douglas |
As the Olympic Games draw to a close, the excitement and camaraderie of the past fortnight culminate in the closing ceremony, a spectacular event that is as much a celebration of the athletes’ achievements as it is a symbolic handover to the next host city. Watching the closing ceremony with family and kids offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the moments that captivated us and to look forward to the future of sports and international cooperation. The closing ceremony is not just the conclusion of the games but a vibrant celebration of the human spirit, sportsmanship, and global unity. Unlike the opening ceremony, which is more about introducing the host country’s culture and welcoming the athletes, the closing ceremony is a relaxed, festive affair, where athletes mingle and celebrate together, demonstrating the true spirit of the Olympics—bringing people from all corners of the globe together in peace and friendship. For families watching at home, this event can serve as a beautiful reminder of the values that the Olympics strive to promote: unity, equality, and respect across cultures and nations. It’s a teaching moment for children, showing them that while the games are about competition, they are also about building bridges between different cultures and making lifelong friendships. Engaging with the closing ceremony can be interactive and fun. Families can prepare a “closing ceremony” themed party, where dishes from the next host country are served, or crafts related to the Olympics, such as making flags or creating gold, silver, and bronze medals, are crafted. As you watch the flag handover to the next host city, it’s a great opportunity to start a conversation about this city and what the next games might look like. Additionally, the artistic performances during the closing ceremony highlight the culture of the host nation and also include a preview of what to expect from the next host city. This melding of cultures is a splendid finale that not only entertains but enriches, providing a glimpse into the diversity and beauty of our world. In conclusion, the Olympic closing ceremony is an event that encapsulates the joy and unity of the games, making it a perfect occasion for families to gather, celebrate, and learn. It’s a moment to appreciate the efforts of athletes worldwide and to foster hope and excitement for future Olympics, continuing the legacy of this extraordinary global event. |
Celebrating Unity and Achievement: The Magic of the Olympic Closing Ceremony |
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Tips for a Closing Ceremonies Party |
1. Themed Decorations: Decorate your space with items that reflect the colors of the Olympic rings—blue, yellow, black, green, and red. Use flags, balloons, and streamers to create a festive atmosphere. You can also include elements from the host country to add a unique cultural touch. 2. International Cuisine: Serve a buffet of dishes from around the world to celebrate the international nature of the Olympics. Include specialties from the current host country and sneak in a few dishes from the next host country to get everyone excited for the next games. 3. Olympic Games Replay: Have a television or screen set up to play highlights from the Olympics, including memorable moments and record-breaking performances. This can serve as a great conversation starter and entertainment for guests. 4. DIY Medal Crafts: Set up a craft station where guests, especially children, can make their own Olympic medals using ribbons, cardboard, foil, and markers. This can be a fun activity and a great party favor. 5. Dress Code: Encourage guests to come dressed in sports gear or apparel that represents their favorite Olympic sport or their country’s team. This adds an element of fun and makes for great photo opportunities. 6. Olympic Quiz: Organize a trivia game based on Olympic history, famous athletes, and notable moments from the games. Offer small prizes for the winners to keep the competitive spirit alive. 7. Closing Ceremony Bingo: Create bingo cards with different events that might occur during the closing ceremony, such as “athlete tears up”, “fireworks go off”, “dancer in traditional costume”, etc. This keeps everyone engaged while watching the ceremony. |
Interesting Facts |
1. Tradition of Unity: Unlike the opening ceremony, during the closing ceremony, athletes march together and not by country. This tradition began during the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 and was suggested by a young Chinese apprentice carpenter, John Ian Wing, to symbolize global unity. 2. Handover Ceremony: One of the key moments in the closing ceremony is the “handover” where the mayor of the host city presents the Olympic flag to the mayor of the city hosting the next Olympic Games. This tradition symbolizes the continuation of the Olympics and connects the past, present, and future hosts. 3. The Antwerp Flag: Since 1920, the same flag, known as the Antwerp Flag, was traditionally passed from one host city to the next until Seoul 1988. Since then, a new flag is created for each Olympics. 4. The Olympic Flame Extinguished: A poignant moment of the closing ceremony is the extinguishing of the Olympic flame, marking the official end of the Games. This is often accompanied by dramatic and emotional performances. 5. Cultural Showcase: The closing ceremony is renowned for its cultural performances that showcase the host nation’s heritage. Additionally, the next host city is given a segment to provide a sneak peek into their culture and what the world can expect in four years. 6. Athlete Celebrations: The closing ceremony is less formal than the opening ceremony and often features a party-like atmosphere where athletes can relax and celebrate their achievements. It’s common to see athletes taking pictures with competitors from other countries and celebrating together. 7. Record-Breaking Viewership: The London 2012 Olympics closing ceremony drew an impressive global television audience, with an estimated 750 million people watching the event, highlighting its popularity and the global interest in the Olympics. |
Quote of the Week |
“Summer’s lease hath all too short a date.” — William Shakespeare |
Joke of the Week |
Why don’t oysters donate to charity during the summer? Because they’re shellfish! |
Global Fusion Flatbreads |
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Medal-Winning Mousse Trio |
Ingredients: • Chocolate Mousse: • 1 cup heavy cream • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips • Strawberry Mousse: • 1 cup heavy cream • 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed • 2 tbsp sugar • Lemon Mousse: • 1 cup heavy cream • 1/4 cup lemon curd Instructions: 1. Prepare the Mousses: For each mousse, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the chocolate chips, strawberry puree with sugar, or lemon curd into the whipped cream in separate bowls. 2. Chill: Spoon each mousse into separate small cups or layer them in a clear glass for a visual effect. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. 3. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with mint leaves, a sprinkle of cocoa, or fresh berries just before serving. |
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đź’ˇ Answer to Trivia Question: Tug of war. |