How to Host an Office Olympics

The sporting calendar is packed full of events and festivities all year round, but every once in a while we’re treated to something truly special… The Olympics!

As athletes and spectators around the world prepare for the moment of a lifetime, we decided to put our own spin on this legendary event, right here in the workplace.

From paper plane javelin to rubbish shot put, below you’ll find everything you need (plus handy instructions) to host your very own Office Olympics.

Let the games begin!

5 Fun Office Olympic Games

1. Chair Rowing

A high-energy team race where colleagues form human “boats” using office chairs with wheels. Coordination and core strength are key!

What you’ll need:

4x wheeled office chairs
4x participants per team
2x teams per round
1x open office space or hallway

How to play:

Participants must split into teams of four and line up chairs front to back like a rowing boat.
All team members must face forward and place their hands on the backrest of the chair in front.
When the race starts, teams must move as one unit towards the finish line, using only their feet to push!
The first team to cross the line (with all members seated and hands in position) wins.
Teams will be disqualified if anyone lifts off their chair or lets go of the chair ahead.

2. Rubbish Shot Put

A classic toss game with an Olympic twist – aim your paper “shot puts” into a bin from a set distance.

What you’ll need:

1x plastic office bin
2x competitors per round
6x A4 sheets of paper, scrunched into balls
1x independent scruncher (optional for fairness)

How to play:

Competitors stand seven steps away from the bin.
Each player gets three throws to land their paper ball into the bin.
The winner is the one with the most successful shots.
If it’s a tie or no shots land, the closest resting paper ball wins.

3. Paper Plane Javelin

A test of design and distance. Create and throw your best paper plane to see who can fly the farthest.

What you’ll need:

1x A4 sheet of paper per participant
Timer (to limit crafting time)

How to play:

Each player has one minute to fold their paper plane.
On the count of three, each competitor throws their plane.
The plane that travels the farthest before touching the ground is the winner.

4. Table Tennis (Office Style)

A DIY version of table tennis using makeshift paddles and a desk. Fast hands and quick reflexes required!

What you’ll need:

1x office table
1x ping pong ball
2x A5 paper pads (as paddles)
Plastic cups (to act as a net)

How to play:

Use the cups to create a net across the middle of the table.
Matches are best of 5 games (first to 11 points, must win by 2).
A point is scored after every rally, regardless of who served.
The edges of the table count; the sides do not.

5. Nerf Gun Shooting

A target-shooting competition to test aim, speed, and nerve, using a standard-issue Nerf blaster.

What you’ll need:

1x Nerf gun (one-handed, 6 shots)
6x targets (varying difficulty and distance – e.g., cups, paper cutouts, sticky notes)

How to play:

Two competitors face off head-to-heat
Points are awarded based on:
1. Time take to complete the course.
2. Number of targets hit.
3. Point values per target (assign values based on difficulty or distance)
The player with the highest score wins the round.

With these games in hand, your workplace is ready to channel the Olympic spirit – laughter, teamwork, and maybe even a little friendly rivalry included.

Whether you’re in it for the gold or just for the glory, the Office Olympics promises unforgettable fun for everyone involved.

For more advice on creating your own Office Olympics, read these articles next:

Author: Rachael Trickey
Reviewed by: Rachael Trickey

Published On: 3rd Aug 2016 - Last modified: 12th Aug 2025
Read more about - Expert Insights, Fun and Games