The Olympic torch was just lit in Greece. It will now begin its journey around the world to arrive just in time for the Summer Olympics in Brazil.

It is just over thirty years ago that the fire of this ageless impulse ignited the imaginations of Thom Schaefer and Jaimen McMillan to develop a version of a Greek Festival for 5th grade children.

These educators were searching to create a bridge from childhood play to adolescent athletics. They were inspired by the imagination given by the philosopher Rudolf Steiner that fifth grade children are “little Greeks.” Together they designed this unique, non-competitive model that fosters cooperation without compromising the quality of movement of the basic five Greek disciplines.

Through the Spacial Dynamics Institute (SDI) teachers are trained in this method, which adapts the Pentathlon events for these 10 and 11-year-old children.

The focus of these tournaments is on the harmony of form, the effective dynamic of the movement, and the potential to increase each child’s own individual level of performance. The form and the dynamics of the children’s movements are counted as much as what can be objectively measured. The arts are added to these festivals; dance, painting and singing allowing for a sharing of both individual expression and cultural treasures.

The Waldorf School Movement has embraced this approach and incorporated it into its curriculum, as have other private institutions, charter, and state-run schools. SDI built on the ancient idea of Ékécheiria, the Olympic truce that dates back to 778 BC. (Ékécheiria literally means “the holding of the hands.”)

International peace efforts around the world, such as Hands in Peace, have joined the Waldorf Schools in this movement model that actively celebrates our common humanity and cultural diversity through non-competitive festivals.

Within the next month, tens of thousands of children around the world will participate in these Pentathlon/ Olympiads/ Greek Games/ Hands in Peace Festivals.

The Waldorf Schools proudly join others local schools and children around the globe in this event that evokes the true spirit of the games: inclusion and celebration of each individual’s efforts and accomplishments. From the ancient fire to these modern flames, the PACT model burns brightly: Pentathlon, Arts, Cooperation, Truce!

This festival is more than an athletic or even an educational event. It is a transformative experience of moving into and embodying the Greek Archetypes. Children who play together and learn to honor the graceful in each other in their youth in this way, will continue into adulthood to work together for the good.

Let the Games Begin!

School Pentathlon photos by Van Hoisington.
Katie Moran is the Movement Educator who organized this Pentathlon.
The children are from the Austin Waldorf School.