Los Gatos Weekly-Times

Olympic events highlight the first Los Gatos Games

On Oct. 18 and 19, the town of Los Gatos plays host to the Los Gatos Games, an Olympic-style weekend in which individual athletes, teams and children participate in challenging events while supporting local charities.

Many events take place at Vasona Lake County Park, including field events, obstacle courses, a skydiving exhibition, celebrity appearances and the start of cyclocross and circuit bike races. Food and drink sales, live entertainment and a fitness expo take place throughout the day.

The Community Hospital of Los Gatos--one of the games' sponsors--is the venue for the opening ceremonies as well as the start of a 5K fun run, 10K run and a "half-marathon." A swimming event takes place in a local pool to be determined.

Events geared toward children include four different races ranging from 50 meters to one mile, a football throw and kick, a soccer kick, a long jump and a scaled-down obstacle course.

According to Los Gatos Games director Jim Robertson, all event entry fees benefit Bay Area organizations serving youth, including Ronnie Lott's All-Stars Helping Kids.

"Los Gatos area residents are fitness-, family- and community-minded and love a good party. The energy and eagerness of the town to help those in need make Los Gatos the premiere location for this event," he said.

All participants receive T-shirts, sport bottles and posters, with sculpted glass trophies for event winners. Participants are also given full use of the new Physical Performance Institute at the Community Hospital of Los Gatos. The facility, affiliated with San Jose State University's Human Performance Department, features human performance programs, sports medicine, rehabilitative programs, health information and other resources for athletically minded individuals.

For a schedule of events or more information, call 358-6061 or visit the Games Web site.

[ Back to Contents Page | Los Gatos Weekly-Times Home Page | Archives ]