Pelham Civic Association Hosts 2026 Pelham Olympics
Glover Field was filled with excitement, color, and community spirit on the morning of Saturday, May 30, as 332 elementary school-aged student athletes from across Pelham gathered for the 2026 Pelham Olympics. Hosted annually by the Pelham Civic Association, the event brought together children in kindergarten through fifth grade for a morning of friendly competition, teamwork, and fun.
Participants competed in a wide range of activities including potato sack races, frisbee tosses, football ring tosses, tug-of-war, running races, soccer challenges, and other Olympic-inspired games. Wearing their color-coded event T-shirts, student athletes spent the windy morning demonstrating sportsmanship, determination, and community pride.
“The Pelham Olympics represents everything the Pelham Civic Association strives to support: community, volunteerism, inclusion, and opportunities for our children to come together,” said Pelham Civic Association President Tim Case. “For generations, this event has been a cherished Pelham tradition, and it’s inspiring to see hundreds of young athletes, volunteers, parents, and community partners continuing to make it such a special day.”
The 2026 Pelham Olympics also marked an important milestone through a new partnership with Wheeling Forward’s “Play It Forward” initiative, which helps create inclusive athletic opportunities for young people with disabilities. Through the collaboration, student athletes with disabilities joined their peers on the field and participated in Olympic activities throughout the morning.
“We were incredibly excited to welcome Play It Forward participants to this year’s Olympics,” said Rob Fontanella, Pelham Civic member and lead organizer of the games. “The Pelham Olympics has always been about bringing our community together through fun and participation. Partnering with Wheeling Forward helped us make the event even more inclusive and ensured that more young athletes had the opportunity to experience the joy of being part of the day.”
“We are incredibly grateful to partner with the Pelham Civic Association to bring Play It Forward to the Pelham Olympics,” said Alex Elegudin, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Wheeling Forward. “Our mission is to help people with disabilities experience life to the fullest and see possibilities where others may see obstacles. Watching these young athletes participate alongside their peers, build friendships, and share in the excitement of the day is exactly what inclusion should look like. We hope this partnership serves as a model for creating more opportunities where every child feels welcomed, supported, and empowered to participate.”
Supporting the 332 student athletes were dozens of middle and high school volunteers, many of whom previously participated in the Olympics themselves, along with parent volunteers and members of the Pelham Civic Association. Together, they helped coordinate activities, guide teams, and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Families and friends filled the stands throughout the morning, cheering on competitors and celebrating accomplishments both big and small. Every participant received a commemorative medal, while top performers in the running competitions earned special awards.
“This is one of those community-wide events that is fun for fun’s sake,” said Carl Pannuti, Pelham Civic and event committee member, who once again supervised the start of the popular 100-meter dash. “Whether a child is competing for the first time, returning after years of participation, or joining us through a new inclusive program, the smiles and excitement are what everyone remembers long after the races are over.”
The Pelham Civic Association extends its gratitude to the many volunteers, families, community organizations, and local businesses that contributed to the success of the 2026 Pelham Olympics, including Wheeling Forward, T&L Trophies, Ball and Chain/Logo Tags, Pelham Boosters, Pelham Together, Pelham Recreation, Pelham Public Schools, and numerous additional supporters.