La Mesa Middle School is hosting the seventh annual La Mesa Intergenerational Games, where adults over the age of 50 and children will form teams to complete a circuit of non competitive activities.
Third through sixth graders from La Mesa-Spring Valley School District will each be paired with an adult from the East County area to participate in a football kick, softball hit, hockey shot, skee ball, frisbee toss, soccer kick, bocce roll, horseshoe pitch, nutrition/sports trivia questions, and an obstacle course set up by 24 Hour Fitness.
La Mesa Middle School is hosting the seventh annual La Mesa Intergenerational Games, where adults over the age of 50 and children will form teams to complete a circuit of non competitive activities.
Third through sixth graders from La Mesa-Spring Valley School District will each be paired with an adult from the East County area to participate in a football kick, softball hit, hockey shot, skee ball, frisbee toss, soccer kick, bocce roll, horseshoe pitch, nutrition/sports trivia questions, and an obstacle course set up by 24 Hour Fitness.
“It’s such a great event because it brings the generations together,” said Michele Greenberg-McClung, recreation supervisor of La Mesa Community Services.
Greenberg-McClung has been a part of coordinating the La Mesa Intergenerational Games since they began seven years ago and is proud of the community’s involvement.
“The Adult Enrichment Center is involved, the Rec Center with the youth, AARP La Mesa chapter, Health and Human Services, Aging and Independent Services, ELKS, SPRITES, 24 Hour Fitness, and other community programs are all involved,” said Greenberg-McClung.
“They help us with funding, as well as private donors.”
According to Greenberg-McClung, as much as the event is about building connections and appreciation between generations, it is also about reminding the event partakers how fun it can be to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.
“La Mesa and East County used to have separate events, but now they’ve joined together.” said Greenberg-McClung, “And South Bay has the only other Intergenerational Games in San Diego.”
La Mesa’s program will also feature two Olympic athletes who will talk to the participants about the importance of staying active and being healthy.
Brandon Pelletier, who garnered Olympic attention in the Para Pan American Games and the Semper Fi Warrior Games, trains at the
Chula Vista Olympic Training Center. Pelletier was wounded in combat as a Marine and now hopes to run the 100 meter and 200 meter in the upcoming Paralympics.
Two-time Olympian, Kara Patterson, will also speak at the Intergenerational Games. She too trains at the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center and currently holds the American record in the javelin throw.
Like the Olympics, the Intergenerational Games will have a closing ceremony, in which each participant will receive a certificate, a medal, a t-shirt, and a picture with their teammate.
Aaron Landau, 66, participated in the games last year and is looking forward to taking part in this year’s games as well.
“Well, my favorite part is seeing the young kids and realizing that I’m an old man, so to speak. These young kids keep coming up through the ranks and it reminds me of when I was in third and fourth grade.” said Landau.
The games help participants, like Landau, recognize their differences as well as build camaraderie between generations.
Landau is most excited about seeing the two children he was partnered with last year. “I have the picture with my two students from last year. I’m going to bring it and see if I can find them. Hopefully, I can have the same two kids this year.
