The annual Uptown Games held at the New Balance Track & Field Center at the The Armory in Washington Heights, Manhattan, to promote physical fitness to pre-teens and teenagers, is traditionally held in early June to close out the indoor track & field season. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was cancelled in June of both 2020 and 2021.
On Sunday, October 31st, the Uptown Games made its return, this time as one of The Armory’s designated kickoff events to celebrate the upcoming indoor track & field 2021-22 season. The event saw 600 children and family members from the Washington Heights, Harlem and Inwood communities to be a part of the festivities, which included a friendly track & field competition which included the 200-meters, 55-meter dashes and hurdles, relay races and long jump.
The young participants enjoyed organized sessions on the aptly dubbed “World’s Fastest Track,” as well as throwing and jumping activities. In the spirit of Halloween, the kids and staff were dressed up in creative costumes and received giveaways such as from New Balance shoes, socks, and of course, lots of Halloween candy.
Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer attended the colorful gathering and was joined by New York City 7th District Council Member Mark Levine. In conjunction with the event, a NYC vaccine van administered COVID-19 vaccines to anyone 12 years and older.