Welcome to the 2024 ERT Olympics! This free family-friendly, field day-style event welcomes Olympians of all ages and abilities to celebrate the 2024 Summer Olympics with fun activities at three locations on the Elizabeth River Trail.
The first ERT Olympics will debut on August 10, a vibrant celebration of the Summer Olympics, right here on the Elizabeth River Trail (ERT). In collaboration with Norfolk Parks and Recreation, this free, family-friendly event will feature a day of athletic and recreational activities across three trail locations: Jeff Robertson Park, Plum Point Park, and Water Street Open Space.
The event aims to promote community connection, health and wellness, and environmental stewardship while celebrating all abilities.
“We wanted to celebrate the unity of the Olympics in a real field-day style event for all ages and abilities. We’re excited to show off the trail to people who may not have experienced all it has to offer. We’re hoping for some friendly competition and are particularly excited about our communities representing their neighborhoods or countries of origin through the bib decorating,” said Kindra Greene ERT Foundation Executive Director.
Participants and spectators are encouraged to come out and celebrate. Each park has multiple activity stations. For every station completed, a participant will earn a star sticker for their bib. Each park has a unique ERT Olympics Commemorative Button that can be earned by completing activities.
Event Highlights:
Jeff Robertson Park (9:00 AM – 11:00 PM)
○ Opening Ceremony – Torch bearers and national anthem
○ Bib Decorating – Hosted by Creative Re-Use Center – Represent your zip code, neighborhood, or country of origin and pin it to your shirt to be an official participant
○ Spectator Noise Makers – Hosted by Keep Norfolk Beautiful
○ Hula Hooping
○ Sack Race
○ Walk/Run/Roll (ADA-accessible) – Hosted by Tidewater Striders
○ Kids Obstacle Course
○ Sensory Station (ADA-accessible) – Norfolk Therapeutic Rec Center
○ Soccer Challenge Course
○ Capoeira
Plum Point Park (9:30 AM – 11:30 AM)
○ Disc Golf
○ Norfolk Boxing Workshop
○ Kids Obstacle Course
○ Teen/Adult Fitness Course Challenge
○ Jump Rope
○ “Equestrian” Course – Gallop around a course on giant stuffed horses
○ Archery
○ Yoga
Water Street Open Space (10:30 AM – 1:00 PM)
○ NSU Volleyball team demonstrations
○ Vendors and Food Trucks
○ Music
○ Bike Norfolk – Track stand challenge
○ All abilities bike rides from Spinclusion
○ Closing Ceremonies at 12:00
○ Olympic Podium Photo Station
Parking and Additional Information: Parking and activity details are available on our Event Webpage with a digital “day of” brochure. Whether you choose to bike, walk, run, or kayak, there are activities for everyone along the trail.
Lime will be stocking e-bikes and scooters at each park to make traveling around the trail easy.
The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation’s mission is to create an inclusive and resilient urban riverfront trail that connects and inspires people and businesses in the Hampton Roads region. The Elizabeth River Trail runs 10.5 miles through businesses, historic attractions and 28 neighborhoods within a five-minute walk. The multi-use trail is designed for walking, running, and biking. It comprises 11 sections from Norfolk State University, through Downtown Norfolk and Old Dominion University to NIT Terminals along the Elizabeth River. The Foundation has completed multiple new unique and award-winning amenities, including kayak launches, play sculpture, a double turbo challenge course in Plum Point Park, The Glowline and most recently, the installation of the first hydration station. Major sponsors include the City of Norfolk and Sentara. For more information, visit elizabethrivertrail.org.
