Scrapping the Olympics

Once again this summer, people from all around the world will gather in front of their television to watch the Olympics. Although the viewership numbers may differ, no other sporting event gets into our hearts quite like the Olympics. As children watch the Olympics, they dream of winning the race, scoring the winning goal, or attaining the perfect "10". Even as adults watching, we relive our childhood Olympic dreams. As you sit there and watch and dream, you may wonder how you can include this event in your scrapbooks. Here are a few ideas.

The Viewing Experience

One way to include the Olympics in your scrapbook is to scrap the actual viewing experience. Take a photo of your family watching the TV or find photos of your favorite athletes on the Internet.  Journal about favorite events, favorite athletes, most memorable Olympic moments, or what sport your family members wish they could do.

Visiting Olympic Venues

Most of us will never have the opportunity to attend the actual Olympics. However, there are plenty of places where it is possible to visit a former Olympic venue or training center. As you scrap the Olympic site, think about scrapping it as more than just a tourist site. In this layout Mary Eason (mjbee) scraps a visit to an Olympic training center with photos of her children pretending to be the star athletes.

Another option is to include your memories of the actual Olympics on the layout of your visit.

Your Own Olympics

Although very few people will ever participate in the actual Olympics, there are the Special Olympics, Paralympics, and Junior Olympics, all of which reach further into the community. If a family member has the opportunity to participate in one of these events, be sure to include it in your scrapbook, even if they don't win a medal. The Olympics is all about the athletes who participate, not just the ones who win.

Even if the sporting event you are scrapping doesn't have the word Olympics in the title, you can still use the Olympic theme on your layout. Although it may only be a local swim meet, soccer game, or gymnastics exhibition, the children participating may be dreaming about the Olympics.

When you scrap the Olympics, you may choose to use  sports-specific products. However, there are other options, such as those associated with the location of the Olympics, in this case, England. You can also make your own Olympic rings using a circle or ring punch and blue, yellow, black, red, and green cardstock.

Have fun scrapping your Olympic dreams. Remember, the Olympics only last for two weeks, but our memories of them can last a lifetime.