 Alexandra D., Gianna H., Cydney L., Alexa M. USA 4x100 Relay |
PA Athletes Represent USA at the
42nd International Children's Games
July 10-15, 2008
San Francisco, Calif.
by Alexander Hill
This year's International Children Games brought an estimated 2,000 coaches and athletes (12-15 years of age) from 100 cities and 50 countries around the world including Austria, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Canada, India, Ireland, Slovenia, Singapore, Kenya, Pakistan, China, Jamaica and many more. They competed in track and field, tennis, swimming, volleyball, soccer, table tennis, basketball and golf, along with dditional activities that provided educational experiences and cultural enrichment. Opening and closing ceremonies, athletic competitions, participant housing and events, and the ICG Festival Village all took place in multiple venues throughout San Francisco, including Golden Gate Park, AT&Park, Kezar Stadium, University of San Francisco (USF) and San Francisco State University (SFSU).
Participating in the Games were the Pacific Association's own LSI Sprint and ISC International. The two teams were selected to represent the United States in this year games and in doing so they came away with the Gold Medal and team titles on both sides of the relays. The quartet of Gianna Hatchett (LSI/USA), Alexa Morris (ISC/USA), Cydney Leath (LSI/USA) and Alexandra Diaz (LSI/USA) cruised across the line in the Girls 4x100 with an easy win of 49.46. with Kayla Knapp (USA) at the helm they would later return to take the tape in the Girls 4x400 in a time of 4:08.09.
 Alexandra D., Alexa M., Kayla K., Cydney L. 4x400 Relay |
Alexa Morris of ISC/USA also won the Girls 100m for the United States in a time of 12.10, just edging out Sun Ae Lee of Rep. of Korea for the win. Also representing the United States was Alexandra Diaz of LSI/USA, placing 5th in 12.65 behind Singapore and Scottland.
Gianna Hatchett (LSI/USA) was a competitor in the First round of 4 in the Girls 400m, where she ran a personal best of 1:02.56 to take first place in her heat. Kayla Knapp of Runners Factory/USA competed in the Girls 800m and was in contention for the Gold until she was trampled in a pile up but she wouldn't leave empty handed when she lead the Girls 4x400 to victory over Ireland.
Overall the Games were an exciting event with lots of competiton and excitement. The 2009 ICG competiton will be held in Greece where the USA will look to defend its title.