Eighth grader Keira Matheis competes in the limbo activity during Games and Field Day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday in Adams Township. Joseph Ressler/Butler Eagle

Kids ran, jumped, shouted, laughed and played outside Thursday as part of Mars Area Middle School’s Games and Field Day assembly and Mars Area Primary Center’s Olympic Fun Day.

Returning in full for the first time since the pandemic, the events brought track and field events, collaborative games, and tug-of-war competitions to the Mars Athletic Complex and the grassy yard outside of the primary center.

More than 500 middle school students gathered in the stadium to participate and watch their classmates compete in activities like limbo and under-over basketball. Science teacher Amanda Stavish led the assembly, calling down groups of students to try their hand at the games.

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Kindergartener Kellan Gosgrove runs back to his team for a water relay game during Olympic Fun Day at Mars Area Primary Center on Thursday in Adams Township. Joseph Ressler/Butler Eagle

Kindergartener Sophia Pospychala plays a parachute game with her class during Olympic Fun Day at Mars Area Primary Center on Thursday in Adams Township. Joseph Ressler/Butler Eagle