With the competitive spirit of the Olympics on full display, the Lakewood Ranch Library hosted its own Toddler Olympics.
About 15 toddler athletes crawled, hopped and ran through an obstacle course behind the library Aug. 9.
“We have a lot of freedom to do whatever we want (for programs),” Youth Librarian Elise Montes said. “Since the Olympics are happening, why not do something around that?”
Montes was creative with the course. Pencils were used as stakes to hold pool noodles that formed arches the toddlers could crawl under. The kids ran through hula hoops spread across the lawn.
Instead of crawling under the pool noodle arches, Lakewood Ranch 2-year-old Maria Yopasa pulled a noodle out of the ground to chase her mom with it.
After the games were finished, the toddlers colored and collected medals.
Lakewood Ranch resident Willow Reilly shows off her athleticism at the Toddler Olympics at Lakewood Ranch Library on Aug. 9.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Lakewood Ranch resident 1-year-old Maria Yopasa takes a break to chase her mom with a pool noodle.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Parrish resident Isla Robley, 3, hops through the course like she's done this before.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Levi Mandile is only 14 months old. He needs a little help through the course from mom Amanda Mandile.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Lakewood Ranch residents 1-year-old Derek Ober and 4-year-old Michael Ray add to the course by running to the fence and back.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Myakka resident Ada Suggs, 2, contemplates what else can be done with a hula hoop.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Lakewood Ranch residents 4-year-old Elliot and 7-year-old Emory Cai take their medals.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Greenbrook resident and almost 2-year-old, Roman Malinoski, takes a seat with his medal.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Myakka resident and mom, Jaimie Suggs, colors with 1-year-old Warren and 2-year-old Ada Suggs after the games.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Lakewood Ranch resident Nicholas Monzine admires his medal.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Lakewood Ranch resident Natalia Nicholas shows off her Toddler Olympics medal.
Lesley Dwyer is a staff writer for East County and a graduate of the University of South Florida. After earning a bachelor’s degree in professional and technical writing, she freelanced for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Lesley has lived in the Sarasota area for over 25 years.
