In the spring of 2024, it was announced that FMC would be hosting our own version of the Olympics that were being held that summer in Paris, France. The primary goal of the event was to provide a good source of intergenerational fun.

The congregation was randomly divided into 12 teams and provided team colors to be worn by its members. The coordinator, Craig Miller, a retired high school math teacher, promised that the events would require minimal training. He also stated that his 5-year-old granddaughter or his 84-year-old mother could possibly win gold in some of the planned events.

The events included the 1mm dash, the Hammer Throw, the 100 Reader Dash, a Marathon, BasketSmall, an Equestrian Challenge, the Yahtzee Triple Jump and other events covering a variety of skill sets.

Many of the events had been used in Miller’s math classroom, but it was the first time these events, 15 in all, had been offered on such a large scale, so there were many unknowns going into the event. Saturday, August 3rd was the chosen date in an effort to enhance our children’s participation as area schools would be back in session. It was held indoors at FMC from 4:00 to 7:30 PM, so the weather was never a concern.

Linda Dixon provided an inspiring prayer during the opening ceremony, and Johnny Dixon lit the All-ympic torch.

There were 67 participants, and they were each able to compete in their chosen events and also enjoy a variety of French themed foods, thanks to Carol Mullet and her kitchen staff, in the “food court.”

An award ceremony was held the next morning during the usual Sunday School hour. 48 medals, provided by the Journeyman’s men’s group of FMC (Thank you Bob Walson and Joe Longeneker) were given out that day. As predicted, medalists ranged in age from 8 to 93 years of age!

The final event was completely unplanned and actually didn’t start until AFTER the award ceremony. The “G-race” involved everyone in the congregation whether they participated in the All-ympics or not. Miller, the organizer, had inadvertently failed to activate the names of 2 participants who unexpectedly arrived for competition. As it turned out, the 2 surprise attenders had qualified to receive 4 medals!

A month later FMC Pastor, Richard Kauffman, provided a timely message on forgiveness the same day that Miller brought the error to the congregation’s attention. Miller was forgiven, all errors were corrected, and awards have been redistributed to their proper owners. The G-race was over but still abounds! Thank you FMCers!

Team Leviticus was the most decorated team of the event, winning 10 medals. Jason Schmucker of Team Leviticus was the decathlete and won 5 golds and a bronze.

No injuries, aches, pains, or strains were reported.

This was FMC’s first All-ympics, but the leadership has declared that it MUST NOT BE THE LAST! A fun time was had by all. In fact, the word on the street is that planning for the FMC Allympics 2026 is already underway.

List of Medalists

Gold Medal Winners

1mm Dash – Jason Schmucker
Timenastics – Johnny Dixon
Equestrian Challenge – Jason Schmucker
Yahtzee Triple Jump – Mel Schmucker
Bible Dash – Jana Miller
Down for the Count – Jason Schmucker
Thinking Inside the Box – Randy Stoesz
Weight Lifting – Richard Kauffman
Tennis Ball Put – Nora Schmucker
Figure Scouting (the puzzle) – Jason Schmucker
The Marathon (holding a note) – Ned Geiser
The 100 Reader Dash – Marj Hovde
BasketSmall – Chuck Girard
The Hammer Throw – Del Culp
Boxing (spinning the can) – Gloria Hood
Decathlon – Jason Schmucker

Silver Medal Winners

1mm Dash – Joe Longenecker
Timenastics – Jyoti Sarkar
Equestrian Challenge – Joe Longenecker
Yahtzee Triple Jump – Janet Wakefield
Bible Dash – Ellen Stoesz
Down for the Count – Don Mink
Thinking Inside the Box – Anita Das
Weight Lifting – Sandy Miller
Tennis Ball Put – Jyoti Sarkar
Figure Scouting (the puzzle) – Alicia Amazon
The Marathon (holding a note) – Deb Helmuth
The 100 Reader Dash – Jonah Rosner
BasketSmall – Don Mink
The Hammer Throw – Ellen Stoesz
Boxing (spinning the can) – Deb Helmuth
Decathlon – Paul Shankland

Bronze Medal Winners

1mm Dash – Dillon Lockwood
Timenastics – Craig Miller
Equestrian Challenge – Jonah Rosner
Yahtzee Triple Jump – Nora Schmucker
Bible Dash – Erv Boschman
Down for the Count – Jonah Rosner
Thinking Inside the Box – Lee Yoder
Weight Lifting – Paul Shankland
Tennis Ball Put – Emma Bontrager
Figure Scouting (the puzzle) – Elsie Koop-Liechty
The Marathon (holding a note) – Jason Schmucker
The 100 Reader Dash – Mel Schmucker
BasketSmall – Ian Girard

About the Author

Craig Miller

Craig is a retired high school math and special education teacher at Maconaquah High School near Kokomo. He and his wife Linda have been attending FMC for around two years. In his spare time, Craig enjoys golf, video editing, and travel.

FMC All-ympics 2024