Salem State to Host 2018 Generation Games

Written by Christopher Keeley

Edited by Sean Conners

On Saturday, February 3, Salem State University and the City of Salem are set to host the Generation Games for the second consecutive year.

The event, which originates from the Netherlands, was designed to incorporate all generations of people within the world of sport and recreation. Grandparents, parents, teens, and children will have the opportunity to bond through a unique platform that will allow for both physical and vocal expression. Salem State University has developed a unique partnership with the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences over the last few years that lead to the concept of the Generation Games being brought to Salem in 2017.

Dr. KC Bloom of Salem State’s Sport and Movement Science Department is focused on ways to continuously build the partnership between SSU and Rotterdam. “We were looking for a way to allow our programs to work together and felt the Generation Games were a good fit,” said Bloom. “We brought the Salem Department of Park, Recreation and Community Services on board as an additional partner last year as this is a great event for the community and both the city and the mayor are so supportive of engaging different populations in activities that are not only healthy but encourage people to positively interact with each other in a fun environment. Additionally, this year we have partnered with the Gassett Fitness Center at SSU as well as the Boston Cannons, Salem Youth Soccer, and Northshore Youth Rugby to allow for new opportunities for families and kids to explore the world of sport through clinics and games.”

Last year marked the first time that the Generation Games were held on North American soil. Considering the success of the Games last year, Salem State and the City of Salem look to continue this new tradition and is hopeful to make this an annual event. Unlike last year, the Games will be held strictly at SSU’s O’Keefe Athletic Complex. Parking will be available at the O’Keefe Center and locations in the immediate area.

Food will be available for purchase and all proceeds will be used to support the Generation Games. There will be a raffle with prizes such as personal training packages, sports memorabilia and equipment, a youth bike donated by Salem Cycle, and more. The opening ceremony will start at 10:00 a.m. at the atrium inside the O’Keefe Center.

Like last year, entry into the Generation Games is free to the public and everyone is able to participate. Highlights of the Games include, but are not limited to, black-light dodgeball, a lacrosse clinic hosted by players from the Boston Cannons, human foosball, korfball, a rugby clinic featuring the Northshore Rugby Club, and bubble soccer.

The Generation Games seem likely to continue to grow each year. “I'm very excited to bring the Generation Games back to Salem for a second year. We had great support last year from the community and it's been great to see that people are excited to participate in the games again. For me, I think the best part of the Generation Games is in providing a way for families to come together to play. People of all ages benefit from play and it's something that sometimes is forgotten in our busy lives,” said Dr. Bloom.

For more information, please visit www.salemgenerationgames.com or visit the Salem Generation Games page on Facebook.