A Parade of Nations: ESD Lower School Kicks Off the Winter Olympics
February 6, 2026
The sounds of cheering and the sight of flags filled the Competition Gym this week as The Episcopal School of Dallas officially commenced its beloved Olympic tradition. With a nod to the Olympic spirit currently sweeping the world, third- and fourth-graders gathered for a high-energy Opening Ceremony, marking the start of a multi-week competition rooted in history and heart.
The ESD Olympics is a storied tradition that dates back to 1994, timed with the Winter Games in Lillehammer, Norway. Founded by former Lower School Physical Education teacher Kris Brockhagen, a lifelong fan of the Olympics, the program has become a cornerstone of the Lower School P.E. curriculum for more than three decades.
While the pageantry of the Opening Ceremony—complete with an impressive collection of international flags gathered over the years—brings a professional flair to the event, the core mission is deeply educational.
“Leading up to the Games, we focus heavily on the concepts of sportsmanship and fair play,” Lower School P.E. coach Hollie Read shared. “It’s about competing for the love of the sport and the joy of participation, rather than just the final score.”
The program is designed so that every student experiences the thrill of the Games once during their Lower School tenure, alternating participation between their third and fourth-grade years.
The ESD Olympics features an “Eagle” twist on classic international events. Students compete in creative adaptations of both Winter and Summer Olympic sports, testing their agility, teamwork, and persistence.
These Games are part of a robust annual P.E. calendar that keeps students engaged year-round. Beyond standard fitness and health education, the Lower School looks forward to several “only-at-ESD” milestones, including:
- Searching for Christmas: A festive seasonal favorite.
- Circus Day: Where students showcase balance and coordination.
- Jungle Day: An inventive transformation of the gym that truly has to be seen to be believed (returning later this spring!).
As the “Olympic flame” burns bright in the hearts of our young athletes, the coming weeks promise plenty of sweat, smiles, and the unwavering spirit of the ESD community.
