Tiny tots yesterday lifted milk bottles, threw wheat bags and jumped over miniature hurdles at the Pioneers early childhood Olympics.
About 70 children, aged up to 5, and 20 home-based caregivers donned the national dress of countries including Japan, Australia, France and New Zealand to compete in the miniature Olympics.
Pioneers team leader Tracy Cross said the event was the culmination of six months of work from carers within Pioneers (formerly the Dunedin Early Childhood Organisation).
``We thought it was very important to teach the children about the Olympic tradition.''
The event included 12 stations based on the fundamental movement skills but with a nod to Olympics sports.
A few particularly small Olympic entrants crawled among children balancing on miniature beams and riding bikes supported by training wheels.
In keeping with recent Olympic behaviour, not all entrants adhered to the rules, with more than a few tiny hands holding ping pong balls in place during the egg and spoon race.
Ms Cross said the event was a great way to promote physical health and wellbeing.
``It is about making the children confident with their bodies and how they move them.''
Pint-sized medals were awarded to match the sporting prowess of all entrants.
