The Great Neck Chinese Association hosted its Second Annual Autumn Family Olympics
This October, the Great Neck Chinese Association (GNCA) hosted its Second Annual Autumn Family Olympics at Great Neck North Middle School Sports Field. The Autumn Family Olympics promotes a healthier, happier, and more confident community life.
The GNCA is a non-profit organization founded in 1995. The association serves the Great Neck Chinese community by connecting community members and promoting community service and social involvement to create a harmonious and happy living environment for all in Great Neck.
The GNCA works with local schools and community leaders to spread understanding and acceptance of Chinese culture and residents. The group hosts entertainers, educational events, and other fun social activities to unite the Chinese community. The Autumn Family Olympics is one of the newer events the GNCA offers.
When COVID-19 restrictions eased up last year, the GNCA came up with the idea to host an Autumn Family Olympics.
“We wanted to promote a healthy outdoor event for everyone to have fun, exercise, and breathe fresh air,” the GNCA wrote in a statement to the Great Neck Record. “The goal is to bring together the community. This event created long-lasting friendships among fellow sports enthusiasts. It also brought together families and was a fun day for all ages.”
“We have close to 170 people participating in the different events,” wrote the GNCA. “Other family members that did not participate enjoyed watching the Opening and Closing Ceremonies along with the competitions.”
Families could sign up for different events that are specifically made for the whole family. The Potato Sack Relay is a popular family race that needs three family members to participate.
Other events participants joined in on include: Tennis Adult and Juniors Tournament, 100m race for Elementary School students, 400m for Junior and High School Students, 1500m for adults, Tug of War, Three-legged race, Ring Toss, running with a ball between two backs and Egg & Spoon Relay Race.
“Some of the events are fun for the family, but others are very competitive,” wrote the GNCA. “For example, the Adult and Juniors Tennis Tournament consists of four rounds of elimination playoff with prizes for the winner and runner-up.”
The GNCA Family Olympics Planning Committee worked hard to provide the Second Annual Autumn Family Olympics for community members to get active and connect with new people.
Other event organizers and supporters include: Parents volunteers, Naming Right Sponsor Northwestern Mutual, Partner Organization North Shore University Hospital, Reward Ceremony Guest NYS Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti, and North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena.
“The event was an overall success. We have more participants this year than last year, ” wrote the GNCA. “The event organizer draws from past experience to organize a better event this year. Many participants are looking forward to next year’s event.”
Learn more about the Great Neck Chinese Association at gnca.org
