The school holidays were always an exciting time in the Brownlee household. This was the opportunity for my brother Alistair and I to escape from the classroom and enjoy the great outdoors.
Our childhood was jam packed with fun family games and activities - especially the school holidays. We didn't need any fancy equipment, just a healthy amount of competition and a bit of imagination, to turn sofa cushions into the high jump or a Frisbee into a discus event.
When Alistair and I weren't out playing sport, we were watching it. I vividly remember watching the 2000 Sydney Olympics, with my nose right up to the screen, knowing there and then, that I wanted to pursue a sporting career. And as soon as I saw Alistair walk into our living room with his GB kit on - it sealed the deal for me - I would follow him into a career in sport.
Fast forward 15 years and we're both awaiting next week's Team England announcement for this summer's Commonwealth Games.
Big sporting moments like the Commonwealth Games really inspire the nation to come together and show their support for British sport as well as encourage families to get out and active.
Research conducted by Warburtons highlights that this summer's high profile sporting events are set to inspire a third (29%) of kids and over a quarter of parents to take part in more physical activity - it feels even more crucial that we capitalise on the current climate of excitement ahead of the Commonwealth Games, to inspire families to be more active.
I was also astounded to hear just how far key sporting calendar dates, have an inspirational effect on UK mums and dads too - with an incredible 8% of UK parents, claiming they gave up their job to begin a career in sport, as a result of London 2012 Olympic Games.
That's why Alistair and I have teamed up with Warburtons to create The Half & Half-Term Games - a week's worth of fun and easy family games, inspired by the events of the Commonwealth Games, for May half-term.
The activities include a number of affordable and easy things to do at home from backward sprinting and human hurdles to fun relays and short jumping, we've even added in a little triathlon, as this is a firm Brownlee favourite!
Visit www.facebook.com/warburtons for daily Half & Half-Term Games inspiration
Warburtons Half & Half-Term Games:
1. The Backward Sprint
Let the Great Half & Half-Term Games begin! Mark out a start and finish line and race backwards. No turning round now!
2. Human Hurdles
Make a line of people and then leapfrog over all of them. The fastest hurdler wins. Jump to it!
3. Disco-tastic Gymnastics
Someone plays a funky tune. Then everyone else dances like crazy. Suddenly, the DJ hits stop. When they do, everyone should freeze in a gymnastic-style post. If someone's still moving, they are eliminated. Carry on until you have a winner
4. Topple Tug of War
Find two sofa cushions. A competitor stands on each, holding a rope between them (try using a rolled up towel). Then it's ready, steady...pull! The person to stay on their podium wins
5. The Short Jump
The Long Jump's little brother. Get set. Run as fast as you can to a start line. Then jump forwards...the shortest distance possible
6. Little Triathlon
It's the big one and the Brownlee's favourite event! Run one lap backwards doing the backstroke, then bike five laps of the garden and then run four laps of the garden. It's one continuous event, so keep going. Good luck!
7. The Hose Jump
This is for warm days and brave kids! Get your garden hose out and turn it on to full blast. Next, put your thumb over the top of the hose to create a jet stream and each time the group runs and jumps over the water you higher it. Those who miss are obvious to spot...they have wet legs!
8 Mini Commonwealth Steeple Chase
Get the whole family involved in creating a mini steeplechase in your garden or local park. Encourage the kids to build their own assault course using anything they can get their hands on! Hurdles made from cardboard boxes, walk a tightrope using the garden hose or skipping rope, toss a water balloon at a target, zigzag through a slalom course of sofa cushions, the laundry basket and make things competitive with the addition of a stopwatch!
9. Cycle-tastic Fun
Why not make exercise fun for the whole family and friends, by having your own cycling race! Simply, line up at a chosen start line and race against one another to the finish line!
10. Mini Kids Relay
Now is the time to get the kids working as a team! Organise yourselves into teams (minimum of 2 in each), pick a starting line and a target point. Using a stopwatch, the kids begin the race at the starting line, run to the target and then run back to their teammate waiting at the starting line to take their turn. Add fun to this event with homemade medals to wear at the finish line! With this event, everyone is a winner!