If you can put a park over a highway in Downtown Dallas, why not put some winter Olympic Games in Klyde Warren Park?
The typical drop on a luge track is 300 feet, but a five-foot street luge ramp gives you a taste of the fastest Olympic sport around — and hundreds of kids took advantage.
How about trying the biathlon? The virtual skiing is a workout.
"This was just all in good fun. There was way more pressure in the real Olympics," said Janine Bowman, of Rowlett. She competed in shooting in the 2000 Summer Olympics and brought her family out to enjoy the events in the park this weekend.
The Clasby family of Highland Village came out for a taste of the Winter Olympic Games, checking out the 10 interactive sports elements. The mother and daughter checked out what it feels like inside a bobsled. And there was a hockey slap shot challenge to test speed and accuracy.
"I got twin girls, they're 7, almost 8-years-old, and I wanted to introduce them to what the Olympics are all about,” said Scott Clasby. “It's part of patriotism. Want to support our troops, support our country and our athletes."
The Drilling kids of Dallas attempted curling and learned it's not that easy to move a 24-pound stone.
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"I think it's good for the kids, so they can see what's going to be happening and see what kind of events people are going to be competing in and just get them excited about what's going on,” said their mother, Katie Drilling.
Carly Patterson, who won the gold in gymnastics in the summer games of 2004, came out to pose for pictures with young fans and sign autographs. She said she appreciates the recognition but also the fact people are behind the U.S. Olympic athletes. While she’s a champion from the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, she’s a big fan of the Winter Olympic Games and a little envious of those who’ve competed in both.
"It's so cool to see some of the crossover athletes and they get to do the winter and summer and I'm like, 'Hmm, maybe I should start training for bobsled or something like that so I could do a winter now,'" Patterson said with a laugh.
The Road to Sochi Tour continues at Klyde Warren Park Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free.
