Office Olympics: Olympic-Themed Games for Work

How to structure an office Olympics

First decide whether this is a single event or a series. A one-hour lunchtime event is simple to organize. A multi-day series, such as one event a day over a week, builds anticipation but needs more coordination.

A simple structure:

1. Opening ceremony (5 to 10 minutes)
2. Four to six events (5 to 10 minutes each)
3. Medal count and closing ceremony (10 minutes)

Ask someone to volunteer as the organizer and a few others as event judges. Share the schedule in advance so people can plan around meetings.

Teams, scoring, and medals

• Teams: Mix departments so people meet colleagues they do not normally work with. Teams of four to six work well. Give each team a name and, if you like, a flag or color. Camp color wars use the same structure; see color wars games for camp.
• Scoring: Award points for each event placement, for example 3 for first, 2 for second, 1 for third. Track points on a whiteboard or a shared sheet.
• Fairness: Choose events that rely on a mix of skills: some throwing, some brainpower, some teamwork. That way no one group wins everything.
• Medals: DIY medals made from paper, ribbon, or recycled lids are enough. A trophy for team spirit adds an extra route to recognition.

Desk-supply events

These use everyday items. Adapt them to what your office has.

• Paper airplane distance throw: Fold and fly; longest flight wins.
• Trash can basketball: Shoot crumpled paper into a bin from a marked line.
• Pencil javelin (soft version): Toss a pencil toward a target zone. Use a safe, soft alternative like a rolled paper tube if you have concerns.
• Paper cup pyramid: Stack cups into a pyramid against the clock.
• Binder clip target toss: Toss clips into a box or onto marked paper.
• Speed typing contest: Type a given sentence as quickly and accurately as possible.
• Sticky note sprint: Race to build a design or write a message with sticky notes.

If your office has a ping pong table, games to play with a ping pong table offer extra event ideas.

Relay and team events

• Coffee mug relay: Carry a mug filled with a small amount of water or paper balls across a course, passing to the next teammate.
• Rolling chair obstacle course: Teammates take turns navigating an obstacle course in a chair. Only run this on a clear floor, with a slow pace and a spotter. See the safety section below.
• Costume relay: Each runner puts on an outfit pulled from a bag of silly items, then passes it on.
• Puzzle assembly race: Teams race to finish a simple jigsaw.
• Office scavenger hunt: Teams collect items or answer clues around the office.

Winter-style events

Winter Games themes make a nice twist and need only simple supplies.

• Trash can or ice cube curling: Slide lightweight objects, such as ice cubes, across a smooth table toward a target. Clean up spills promptly.
• Sock speed skating: Shuffle across a smooth floor in socks, only if the floor is safe and non-slip.
• Rubber band biathlon: Combine a short walk with a rubber band shot at a target. Use light bands and never aim at people.
• Chair slalom: Weave an office chair around cones at walking pace.

Virtual events

Remote teams can join with events that work on camera.

• Speed typing
• Emoji Pictionary
• Winter Olympics trivia
• Ice cube challenge: Move an ice cube from one cup to another using only your hands or a spoon.
• Scavenger hunt: Find an item at home in sixty seconds.

For other ideas that work for remote groups, see our morale boosting games for employees and remote teams.

Opening and closing ceremonies

A ceremony makes the event feel special.

• Opening: Teams introduce themselves with a name, a chant, or a flag. Read out the rules and the schedule. A quick torch relay with a paper cup “torch” adds humor.
• Closing: Announce the medal count, hand out awards, and thank participants. A few jokes and special awards, like “Best Teamwork” or “Most Creative Flag,” keep it positive.

Safety and inclusion

• Do not throw objects toward people or at head height.
• Keep rolling chairs to slow speeds on clear, flat floors, and consider skipping that event entirely if you have any doubt.
• Make sure each event has options for people with limited mobility, such as seated versions or judging roles.
• Check workplace rules about leaving desks and time spent on non-work activities.
• Avoid events that need physical contact or that could embarrass people.

Sample 60-minute schedule

If your group has only a few minutes, try 5-minute games for adults and team meetings instead.

FAQ

What games were in the Office Olympics?

It depends on who runs it, since there is no fixed list. Typical events include paper airplane throws, trash can basketball, chair races, and relays.

What are some fun games for an Olympic-themed party?

Relay races, trivia, target-toss games, and a ceremony with medals work well at most parties.

What are some Olympic-related games?

Think of simple versions of familiar sports: curling with ice cubes, javelin with paper tubes, or a biathlon with a light target toss.

What are some ideas for team games at an office?

Puzzle races, scavenger hunts, and relay events suit offices, as do no-prop games from our list of team building games with no equipment.