If your kids were inspired by the Olympics, you can carry on the spirit by having mini-Olympic games in your own yard.

        A free step-by-step guide for having a backyard Olympics is available from www.kid-e-sport.com. It's divided into age-appropriate suggestions for three different groups — ages 2-3, 4-6, and 7 and up.

        You'll also receive a free “gold medal” when you register to download or print out the guide on the Web site, or call (877) 543-7767.

        Some suggestions on having a Backyard Games, from the Web site:

        • Each family can set up one sport event in their yard. You could even choose three Olympic events and divide guests into three teams. Play the Olympic theme song music as athletes arrive.

        • For a gymnastics balance beam, draw a line of chalk on the driveway and have young kids walk across it without “falling off.”

        • For track and field, use cones to set up a “hurdles” course or have them race by jumping in a potato sack or large brown paper bag. You could use a tennis ball or hackey sack for shot-put.

        • For older kids, have them ride bikes in and around cones (cycling); do a “floor-exercise” routine on grass with somersaults, cartwheels, etc., or hang upside on swing-set bars and attempt to sing the alphabet (gymnastics); or set up badminton, volleyball, or Ping-Pong activities.

        Kids-e-sport.com even says to make your own Ping-Pong set with paddles out of cardboard, a bouncy ball and a net glued to two Popsicle sticks attached to a table.

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