HOPPING 4 A CURE
What Is Recess Olympics?
Recess Olympics is a fundraiser where kids, students and adults compete in classic playground games to raise money for people and families living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It's run by Hopping 4 A Cure, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2010, and hosted by student- and community-led chapters across the United States.
Ready, set, hop!
How does Recess Olympics work?
Four steps from the sign-up sheet to the winner's circle.
Sign up
Join solo or build a team with friends, classmates or coworkers.
Fundraise
Collect pledges and donations online before the big day.
Compete
Take on a lineup of playground games and relay races on event day.
Celebrate
Top Recess Olympians are celebrated, and every dollar helps MS families in your community.
Remember recess?
What games are played?
All your playground favorites, plus a few that will test your stamina.
Hopscotch, four competitions
Two timed laps, Start to Home and back. Fastest hopper wins.
Four square
Jump rope & double dutch
Basketball & Knockout
Ultimate Frisbee
Hula hooping
Kickball
Capture the flag
And more!
Every Recess Olympics is a little different. The games depend on the location and facilities where we host the event. No basketball hoop? No basketball. But there's always plenty to play.
Recess for all ages.
Who can participate?
Everyone. Events are open to all ages and all abilities. EXTREME Hopscotch teams are mixed and include a wheelchair sprint leg, so anyone can join any team. Form a team, or come cheer on the Olympians.
Every hop counts
Where does the money go?
100% of funds raised stay local, supporting people and families affected by MS in the community that raised them.
College scholarships
Each chapter's goal is to award at least one $1,500 scholarship a year to a student affected by MS.
Caregiver support
Help for the families and caregivers who live with MS every day.
Alternative research
Funding for alternative medical research into MS.
Where it all started
How did Recess Olympics start?
With two suits, a made-up sport and a very good reason.
October 13, 2010
Two high school juniors, David Nassau and Gary Wexler, "suited up" and declared themselves their school's first Varsity Hopscotchers. It started as a joke.
January 21, 2011
David's father has lived with MS since David was in elementary school. So David, Gary and David's mom Marla turned their made-up rules into the first hopscotch tournament for MS. It was a huge success, raising $6,000.
The years that followed
That first tournament grew into Recess Olympics, raising thousands of dollars in over 10 chapters across the United States.
November 15, 2026
Recess is back in South Florida, and we're rebuilding chapters nationwide.
Next up
When is the next Recess Olympics?
Recess Olympics South Florida: Sunday, November 15, 2026, 11 a.m.
Clive Daniel Home, Boca Raton
In partnership with the Arielle Anacker Cancer Foundation, benefiting children's cancer and Multiple Sclerosis.
Bring the playground to you
Can I host a Recess Olympics?
Yes! Schools, campuses, companies and community groups can host one. We'll share our chapter playbook and help you plan it.
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