October 7, 2010 (La Mesa) -- Adult athletes ages 50 and older from East County are teaming up with elementary and middle school students for the fifth annual East County Intergenerational Games in La Mesa. This year’s event is held at La Mesa Middle School, 4200 Parks Ave in La Mesa. Students from grades second through sixth are paired with active adults age 50+ to complete in a circuit of non-competitive fun and simple activities. The event takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.on October 14.
Opening ceremonies will highlight Philip Dunn, a three-time Olympian race walker, four-time U.S. 50 km champion and USA Track and Field Board member.
Dunn got his start in race walking at the age of 10 years old when he was scheduled to run a 1,500 at an age-group track meet but decided to compete in the 1,500 m race walk instead. Dunn won the event and the rest is history.
Track and field athlete Yvette Lewis, who who the NCAA Outdoor championship in 2007 and placed 4th in the 2008 Olympic trials, will also participate. Her sports include triple jump, hurdles, 200 meter race and long jump.
Thursday’s field games include a football punt and kick, basketball toss, softball hit, street hockey shot, Frisbee toss, soccer kick, bocce roll, horseshoe pitch, obstacle course and nutrition/sports trivia questions. The 12 activity stations are non-competitive, with an emphasis on confidence building, camaraderie and breaking down stereotypes between the generations.
The player teams are made up of one student age 7 to 12 and one adult age 50 or older. Closing Ceremonies will follow the events with each participant receiving a medal and certificate.
The La Mesa Intergenerational Games are organized through the City Of La Mesa in partnership with the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District, the County of San Diego Aging & Independence Services and Health & Human Services Agency East Region, the East County Action Network, AARP, Elks USA, East County Boys & Girls Club, La Mesa Park & Recreation Foundation, La Mesa Commission on Aging, PUEBLO Water, SPRITES and many other community partners.
Funding for the event is made possible through sponsorships and private donations. There is no fee for participation.