The obstacle course was set and the athletes were fitted in their best velcro shoes. Some competitors opted for a barefoot approach to tackle the colorful tunnel and to clear the inclines. The excitement in the room was palpable, but this is one event you are not going to see on national television. The first-ever Crawling Olympics were held on Monday at the Park City Library.
Katrina Kmak of the library created the event. She explained how her own love for the Olympics inspired her to think of something different for the Baby and Me time slot at the library. Although it was not a typical reading hour, it was an event that is still vitally important, she said.
“Singing, talking, playing, reading and writing are the five things for early literacy with Utah Ready to Read,” Kmak said. The event focused on play but was a good way for the youngest Olympians to work on hand-eye coordination, socialize with their peers, and even get their hands on a book to carry around at the conclusion of the races, she said.
“Just getting kids used to coming to the library is important,” Kmak said. No gold medals were given out, but each participant went home with one or two books they were allowed to keep.
