Fun Sports: Olympic Curiosities

Simon Drouin & Cécile Gariépy

In this superb non-fiction book for age 8 and up, the reader is introduced to different demonstrations sports that have been part of the Olympic Games over time. Since the first modern Olympic Games in Athens, sports have been evolving with the whims of the spectators. As fashions change, many sports have rubbed shoulders with the Olympic flame before falling into oblivion.

Officially established in 1912, the category of ‘demonstrations sports’ has seen all kinds of sporting disciplines. From the more well-known like bowling and water skiing, to the more odd such as single and double-shot running deer, Icelandic wrestling called glíma, and tandem racing. What is the real story behind these unusual sports and what are the rules and technical challenges?

This book takes a delightful and entertaining look at this other side of the Olympic movement, written by sports journalist Simon Drouin and illustrated by Cécile Gariépy.