This summer as your family enjoys the Olympics in London, your children may be inspired by lesser-known sports brought to our attention by the Olympics. Your family can enjoy learning more about some of these sports right here in Kansas City!
Sailing
Learn to sail at Lake Jacomo in Missouri with the Jacomo Sailing Club (816.678.7761) or on Lake Perry in Kansas with Clifton's Columbus School of Sail (913.220.5177). Lessons are offered for beginning sailors and can quickly become a family sport. Or, become a spectator of the sport and watch sailboat races every Sunday afternoon at 1:30 from May to October on Lake Jacomo, where boats sail from both Sailboat Cove on the east side and the marina on the west side.
Archery and Adventure Sports
At TimberRidge Adventure Center in Olathe, groups can experience an eagle’s eye view of nature through challenge courses at the center's certified ropes course, 200-ft. zip line and the Eagle’s Nest 40-ft. climbing tower with two different sides for climbing, a dangle-duo and vertical play pen, and rappelling. At TimberRidge, you may also enjoy hiking, fishing, archery, canoeing and paddleboating. This is a great adventure for scout groups, families and even businesses. Call 913.856.8849 for information.
You may also begin the process of establishing an archery program in your schools in conjunction with the Missouri Department of Conservation. They offer teacher training and equipment grants to help you get your program going. Use this minisite to learn more about MoNASP, find training opportunities and catch the excitement of state and national student archery tournaments.
Synchronized Swimming & More Water Sports
Kansas City's YMCA Locations offer a wide variety of swimming programs, teams and clubs for kids. For something more unique, consider synchronized swimming (one of those sports featured in the Summer Olympics). The KC Sea Sprites are the oldest competitive synchronized swim team in the United States under continuous coaching.
Fencing
Your kids can en garde with the best of them at Fencing Athletic Club of Kansas City, one of the largest programs in the city. which has the region's largest youth program. Classes are arranged by birth year to provide a wide range of skill levels within the divisions found in competitive fencing. Experienced fencers are on hand to mentor and appropriately challenge less experienced fencers. These age classifications mirror those used in United States Fencing Association (USFA) competition.
Handball, Table Tennis, and more
The Overland Park Athletic Club is a local sports club for those interested in racquetball, handball or squash. With 17 total courts (15 racquetball / handball and 2 squash), the Athletic Club accommodates the greatest number of games in Kansas City.