Welcome to the Commoners Games

Eight days into the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, we’ve seen longshots capture gold with the races of their lives and we’ve seen “sure things” crash and burn. We’ve learned of the personal stories behind the athletes, we’ve met their parents, we’ve appreciated their sacrifices, we’ve celebrated their joys and we’ve cried over their injuries and crushing defeats.

But as great as these Games have been so far, some of the best action, best laughs and the most amazing level of creativity and unexpected surprises have come from what I call the Olympics of the People. I truly had forgotten how many of us “commoners” and armchair athletes get involved in the Olympic movement.

Just a quick glance at social media shows that the Olympic movement serves as inspiration to schoolchildren, married couples, librarians, accountants, office workers, senior citizens and even cats and dogs.

Curling is proving to be as popular with the people as it is with Olympic athletes. Folks have posted videos showing kitchen floor curling being performed with tea kettles, pots and pans and bowls along with Swiffer mops, brooms and long-handled scrub brushes.

Schoolchildren hold mock opening ceremonies, complete with music, skits and torches that “light” the Olympic flame. Three-level podiums are built and ceremonies are held to award medals to event winners.

Photo courtesy of @thelittlegan Instagram page.

Facebook and Instagram in particular are treasure chests of videos that passionate, creative people (apparently with way too much free time) have published, showcasing their efforts to participate in the games. There’s hockey, skiing, snowboarding, speed skating, figure skating and curling in versions never quite imagined by serious athletes who have committed a lifetime to landing a spot on the Olympic team.

There's a Facebook page called Skeletons on Kerth Road, based In St. Louis, the owners of which create skeleton displays throughout the year, with a variety of themes. To say the Olympic displays are hysterical is an understatement. Nothing like skeletons skelleting (I might have made up that word)! One display was a two-fer, as it incorporated a Valentine's message with the Olympic rings. I encourage a visit!

Photo courtesy of Skeletons of Kerth Road Facebook page.

I’ve included a few examples for your viewing pleasure, but you can do a simple search and get pages and pages of similar efforts.

It’s great entertainment and all in good fun, and I’m  sure even Olympic athletes are enjoying our efforts. The vast majority of us will never achieve the level of excellence displayed by the “least” of the Olympic athletes gathered in Italy, and these fun, mocking efforts allow us all to feel a part of this global experience.

I for one sure enjoy the efforts of our every day athletes! I hope you do as well!