The problem with watching sporting events is...
The problem with watching sporting events is the nagging feeling that while you once may have been a contender, you no longer are. Instead, you are a spectator, perhaps even a couch potato.
Next weekend’s Community Cup Challenge in Downey will give hope to would-be competitors who feel beyond their prime. “We’ve got a lot of couch potatoes coming out,” said Ron Erickson, event director at the Downey Family YMCA, the sponsor of the Community Cup Challenge.
The YMCA invited local corporations to sponsor teams of employees to compete against one another in an athletic contest more likely to make spectators identify with--rather than envy--competitors. The teams, from Rockwell International, Continental Cablevision, the Sports Channel, the Rotary Club and others, will compete in running, swimming, volleyball, basketball and tug of war. There’s even a trivia contest for the less athletically inclined.
“There’s a lot of concern that Rockwell’s gonna take it this year,” said Vic Pascarelli, general manager and team organizer for the Continental Cablevision and Sports Channel teams. (Pascarelli promises there will be no ringers from Sports Channel to throw the games.)
No one from Rockwell could be reached for comment. Is this part of Rockwell’s competitive strategy? Find out Saturday.
The charity event is sponsored by O’Douls, a nonalcoholic beer product of Anheuser-Busch and distributed by Triangle Beverage. Proceeds will go to Downey YMCA youth programs to subsidize children who can’t afford camp or sports fees, or families that need child care. Pizza will go for $1 a slice. Spectating, like nonalcoholic beer, will be free. The schedule of events:
* Saturday, April 20: 9:30 a.m. to noon, volleyball and trivia contests; 12:15 to 2 p.m., walking and running events.
* Sunday, April 21: noon to 1:30 p.m., swimming; 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., basketball; 2:45 to 4 p.m., tug of war; 4 to 5 p.m., awards.
For kids, there will be tricycle, running and basketball contests. It all takes place at the Downey Family YMCA, 11531 Downey Ave., and at Warren High School, 8141 De Palma St.