East County Intergenerational Games Return Thursday

The City of La Mesa made the following announceement on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012:

On Thursday, October 11, adult athletes age 50 and older from East County are teaming up with elementary school students for the annual East County Intergenerational Games in La Mesa.

This marks the seventh year that the City of La Mesa hosts the Intergenerational Games event.  The games are held at La Mesa Middle School, 4200 Parks Avenue. Students from grades third through sixth are paired with active adults age 50+ to compete in a circuit of non-competitive, fun activities. This event takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

The Opening Ceremonies will feature Brandon Pelletier; a combat wounded Marine who has competed at the 2011 Para Pan American Games in the 100 meter and at the Team Semper Fi Warrior Games. Brandon Pelletier caught the eye of members from the United States Olympic Committee to train with elite athletes at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California, thus beginning his Paralympic quest.  

Thursday’s field games include a football kick, softball hit, street hockey shot, Frisbee toss, soccer kick, bocce roll, horseshoe pitch, and nutrition/sports trivia questions. The activity stations are non-competitive, with an emphasis on confidence building, camaraderie, and breaking down stereotypes between the generations.  Closing Ceremonies will follow the event with each participant receiving a medal and certificate.

 The La Mesa East County 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, 24 Hour Fitness, SPRITES, and many other community partners. Funding for the event is made possible through sponsorships and private donations.