This Saturday the St. Olaf LEAD Team will see their dream finally take form. For the LEAD team, this year has entailed tireless planning on behalf of the all-sophomore staff for the inaugural Ole Olympics.

Sophomore Joy Hamilton says the event was "a midnight idea at a planning retreat," and is meant to provide middle-of-winter excitement for restless students.

The Olympics, which will take place on the lawn between Buntrock Commons and the science center, will include co-ed teams of 5 men and 5 women. Registration is open to all grade levels. Although the LEAD Team is unsure of how many teams will sign up, they know that a lot of interest has been generated.

The games consist of four events: The Electric Fence, Boardwalk, Hula Hoop Relay, an Obstacle Course, and a Quiz Bowl. All events will be held outside, except for the Quiz Bowl, which will take place in the Pause. Teams will be awarded points according to their position at the end of each event. After the first four events, the points for each team will be tallied, and the three highest-ranking teams will advance to the Quiz Bowl. All events will be judged by professors and faculty members.

The first-place team will win a generous $1,000. The second-place team will walk away with $250.00. Enticing events are planned for spectators, too. In addition to being able to observe the Olympics from a steaming hot tub, fans have the opportunity to win door prizes. A portable phone, Discman, phone cards, gift certificates, movies, and CDs are among the giveaways. If weather permits, KSTO has offered to broadcast the event.

Whether you are a competitor or a spectator, the Ole Olympics is destined to become a yearly tradition.