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The Laughter Olympics

A competition where laughing and doing things together is more important than performing or winning.
Time

60–120 min

Difficulty

Can be adapted

Equipment

Depends on the chosen events – many can be done without any equipment at all.

Participants

4–30

How?

How to do it

  1. Choose 3–5 fun and easy-to-perform “Olympic events” in advance or plan them together with the young people. Examples of events:

    • Pine cone throwing: Throw a pine cone as far as possible, similar to javelin throwing.
    • Ping pong ball on the cheek: Perform a task (e.g., a slalom course) while holding a ping pong ball between your cheek and shoulder.
    • Hold-the-mask competition: Who can refrain from smiling the longest while the others try to make them laugh?
    • Slow-motion running: Run a certain distance as slowly as possible without stopping or running backwards.

  2. You can also draw inspiration from other methods in this section (e.g., Trust Course, Snatch Billiard Balls, Dot Throwing, Music Movement).

  3. Prepare the competition area and clearly mark where each event is to be performed.

  4. Divide the participants into small teams or let them compete individually. The most important thing is to cheer them on and laugh.

  5. Present each event in order and explain the rules before starting. Emphasize that humor, creativity, and cheering are more important than points and precision.

  6. Feel free to end with an award ceremony, for example, for the bravest or funniest effort, the most enthusiastic cheering, or the most laughter.

Why?

The Laughter Olympics strengthens solidarity and encourages young people to express themselves freely without performance requirements. Laughter releases tension, increases feel-good hormones, and creates a positive atmosphere in the group.