Springfield College, YMCA of
Greater Springfield to Host Third Annual Springfield Youth Olympics This Weekend
August 7, 2009
SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Aug. 7, 2009 – The third annual Springfield Youth Olympics, a fun-filled array of track, field, tennis and golf competition, will be open to youths aged five through 22, Aug. 7 and 8, 2009, at Springfield College. Organizing sponsors of the event, Springfield College and the YMCA of Greater Springfield, expect about 400 area youth to participate.
“It was a success for Greater Springfield residents during the past two years, and we’re pleased to open it to youth regardless of residency this year,” said Brendan Neal, Springfield College director of community relations. “It will be a great opportunity to experience healthy competition and to showcase athletic talents.”
James O’S. Morton, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Springfield said, “Our goal is to provide area youth with an enjoyable and rewarding way to stay fit, and to offer families an opportunity to come together. This collaboration with Springfield College enables us to help build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.”
The Springfield Youth Olympics ceremony will be Friday, at 6 p.m. on Springfield College’s Blake Track with greetings from Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Neal, Morton, and coordinators of the sports contests. The ceremony will follow the golf tournament, which will begin at 9 a.m., at Pine Knoll Executive Golf Course, in East Longmeadow. Following the ceremony will be Bobby Knight relays on the college’s track, and a soccer tournament on Amos Alonzo Stagg Field.
Saturday track events, beginning at 9 a.m., will include 4 X 100 and 4 X 400 relays, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1,500-meter races, plus a 50-meter race for youth aged ten and under. There will be field competition in shot put, softball throw, long jump and triple jump. Tennis competition will begin at 9 a.m. at the Springfield College tennis courts.
Winners of first through third places in each event will receive medals, and there will be free lunch for all participants. Registration will be open Friday from 8 to 9 a.m.
Cosponsors of the Springfield Youth Olympics, in addition to Springfield College and the YMCA of Greater Springfield, are the Office of the Mayor of Springfield, Alternatives in Physical Therapy, Performance Rehabilitation, Baystate Health System, Western Massachusetts Electric Company, Health New England, 5A, Black Men of Greater Springfield, Western Mass. Track & Field Officials Association, Law Offices of Robert Rosen, and Mass. Velocity Track Club.
