June 28, 2016 (Madison, WI) – Over 200 kids gathered on the Capitol Square at the Dream Bank in Madison, to celebrate and be inspired by the spirit of the Olympic Movement, as Central Cross Country Ski Association hosted Olympic Day. With the Rio 2016 Olympics less than 40 days away, this celebration was extra special as the anticipation grows for the summer games.

Kids glide on turf grass to feel what it's like to ski! © CXC

Kids trying out the mogul, rowing and hockey station. © CXC

There was one new demo this year at Olympic Day, a cross country skiing simulation. Kids had a chance to hop on skis and glide on turf grass to try out what it feels like to ski!

Olympian Dave Norby assists a kid with his ski. © CXC

Other demos for kids included: testing their ice IQ by scoring hockey goals, trying their hand at a curling station, rowing ergometer, a slide board, testing their balance skills at a mogul skills station, as well as an Olympic themed coloring station.

A girl testing her strength on the slide board station during Olympic Day. © CXC

CXC’s activity is one of nearly 2,000 events taking place nationwide during the month of June. The events, designed to engage youth and promote the ideals of the Olympic movement, family-friendly activities and interactive learning experiences.

Flag signing © CXC

Around the world, more than 160 countries take part in the annual celebration. Olympic Day, created in 1948 to commemorate the birth of the modern Olympic Games, focuses on the Olympic values and ideals such as fair play, perseverance, respect and sportsmanship. In the U.S., Olympic Day events range from small gatherings to large, city-wide events.