YOUTH PARTICIPATE IN CHURCH ‘QUARANTINE OLYMPICS’

Featured Photo: Jonah Chatelain holds an American flag as he participates in the closing ceremony of the Youth Olympic Games. Photo by Jill Taylor.

The youth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint usually meet weekly for activities but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they found another way to stay connected.

Bryan Hyland, president of the young men’s organization of more than 100 youth, had an idea to lead out a “Quarantine Olympics.” Hyland released an opening ceremony’s video that quickly got more than 600 views.

The overall winners were just announced, and will be awarded $50 gift cards to their favorite restaurants. Luke Hyland was the overall winner for the young men, and Holland Pine was the overall winner for the young women. There was also a competition for family videos, and the Gurrusquieta family participated in nearly every event, claiming the $100 prize as the overall winner.

“I wanted to do something for the kids to stay connected, laugh, and have fun,” Hyland said.

The opening ceremonies video mimicked the usual Olympics, complete with a torch-lighting ceremony and background music.

Hyland introduced the Olympics to the youth with creative categories including art, music, performance, trick shots, gymnastics, obstacle course, track and field, jumps, and magic tricks.

There were over 50 teenagers of all ages who participated and some adults even got involved.

Hyland led out a panel discussion along with the other young men leaders, which resembled the commentary often seen during the Olympic Games. The commentary engaged the teens, and often featured light-hearted highlights of the best events.

The Olympics lasted over a three-week period and teens would submit their videos via email to be featured. Hyland complied the videos and there are 13 featured on his page.

Just before the closing ceremony, Hyland and other leaders took medals around and visited youth throughout the region who participated. These youth are from Brownsboro, Wills Point, Tyler, Whitehouse, Bullard, Athens, among others.

“This was one way the kids could feel a sense of togetherness during a hard time,” Hyland said. “Plus, it gave them something productive and creative to do.”

Hyland edited the videos and uploaded them on his YouTube channel for all families to see and share with their friends and family.  The Tyler Texas Stake Quarantine Olympics can be found here.

The Tyler, Texas Stake includes over 3,400 members and currently comprises seven wards (or local congregations) and two branches (small congregations with fewer members). These wards include Athens, Bullard, Whitehouse, Palestine, Wills Point, two in Tyler, one Spanish congregation, and one congregation for young single adults in the area.