The Generation Games in Salem: Schedule, Events and More

SALEM, MA — For the first time ever, the Generation Games will be making its landfall in North America when the event is hosted in Salem from Feb. 3-5. The international sporting event brings people together to participate in sports and recreational activities in order to have people of all ages interact and play with one another.

Here is what you need to know about the event.

Can I participate?

Yes, all events are free to participants and free to attend by the public. All you have to do is show up, and participants will be registered throughout the event.

"For example, if you cannot make it to Human Foosball at 7:00 pm sharp, you can walk in and register at 8:30 pm and still be able to play," according to a city announcement.

To make things easier for the organizers, you can register by clicking here.

Schedule

Here's a rundown of the events, courtesy of the City of Salem.

Friday, Feb. 3

Opening Ceremony – 6:30 p.m.

As the kick-off event for The Generation Games, the Opening Ceremony will feature presentations by Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, athletes, and representatives of Salem State University and Rotterdam University. Additionally, the Opening Ceremony will feature the presentation of the baton from the last Generation Games edition in Lausanne, Switzerland. The Opening Ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3, at Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Sq.

Craig Cardiff Special Performance - 7:15 p.m.

Craig Cardiff, a two-time Juno award nominee and Canadian singer/songwriter, will be on hand to put on a special performance as part of the Opening Ceremony. With music comparable to famous American singer songwriters like John Mayer or James Taylor, Craig has developed a large following throughout North America and Europe. It will be a memorable performance! It is scheduled to begin following the Opening Ceremony (approximately 7:15 p.m.) at Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Sq.

After-party – 9:30 p.m.

Following the Craig Cardiff performance, all Generation Games participants are invited to an after-party (approximately 9:30 p.m.) at the Notch Brewing Tap Room, 283R Derby St. Notch will provide snacks. It will serve as a nice chance to hang out with friends, get to know the organizers, and have fun while enjoying some time at one of Salem’s newest and most exciting businesses.

Saturday, Feb. 4

Snowshoe Run/Walk – 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

A one-mile snowshoe run/walk will be held throughout the Olde Salem Greens Golf Course and the Salem Woods trails. Participants are welcome to bring their own snowshoes or snowshoes will be available on site for a nominal charge. If there is no snow, the one mile run/walk will still be held. The run/walk will begin at 10:00 am and continue through noon time, with registration opening at 9:00 am at the Olde Salem Greens Golf Course, 75 Wilson St.

3-on-3 Basketball Tournament - 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Come show us that you can be like Mike (or better yet Isaiah Thomas)! Teams of consisting of 3 members will compete at a 3-on-3 basketball tournament (2 different age groups per team preferred)at the Twohig Gymnasium, Salem State University (SSU), O’Keefe Center, at the corner of Forest & Canal, beginning at 10:00 am and continue through noon time, with registration opening at 9:00 am. . If you would like to participate but do not currently have a team, please come as you will be placed on a team.

6-Minute Walk Test - 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

A simple idea… but how fit are we really? You might be surprised! In this 6-minute walk test, students from Salem State’s Nursing Department will help walkers test their overall heart health and fitness. The walk test will take place at both the Snowshoe Run/Walk at Olde Salem Greens Golf Course, 75 Wilson St, and the 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament at the Twohig Gymnasium at the O’Keefe Center, Salem State University.

Salem Scavenger Hunt – ONGOING

What do we truly know about Salem??? A scavenger hunt will be held throughout downtown Salem on Saturday looking at the important markers, monuments, and places that make Salem such a wonderfully historic town. Individuals and teams may complete this special hunt at any point during the day Saturday. A map and clues will be available at opening ceremonies at Old Town Hall on Friday night and on Saturdaymorning at the Twohig Gymnasium, SSU O’Keefe Center; the Salem Community Center, 5 Broad St; or the Olde Salem Greens Golf Course, 75 Wilson St.

Water Polo/Water Volleyball -2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Come show off your water sports skills! The small pool at the Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA, 40 Leggs Hill Rd, will host water polo and water volleyball games throughout the afternoon (2:00 pm-5:00 pm). Teams (2 different age groups per team preferred) can begin to register at 1:00 pm. If you would like to participate but do not currently have a team, please come as you will be placed on a team.

4-on-4 Soccer Tournament - 2:00 5:00 p.m.

The Revs are looking for you!!! Teams of 4-6 members (2 different age groups per team preferred) will compete in this 4-on-4 tournament at the Twohig Gymnasium at the O’Keefe Center, Salem State University. Registration opens at 1:00 pm with games beginning at 2:00 pm. If you would like to participate but do not currently have a team, please come as you will be placed on a team.

Corn Hole & Kan Jam - 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Backyard games such as these will remind you of the fun of summer. Teams of 2-3 will compete at games of corn hole and kan jam. Registration opens at 1:00 pm with games beginning at 2:00 pm at the Salem Community Center. If you would like to participate but do not currently have a team, please come as you will be placed on a team.

Human Foosball & Life-Sized Games – 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Get ready to be amazed! On an inflatable field, human foosball will consist of teams of 6 competing as if they are the players in the game. Life-sized jenga and connect four will be available for those who love games of strategy! This event will be held at the Twohig Gymnasium at the O’Keefe Center, Salem State University, starting at 7:00 pm. Registration will begin at 6:00 pm. If you would like to participate but do not currently have a team, please come as you will be placed on a team.

Black Light Dodge Ball – 7:00 - 10:00 PM

Everybody loves a good game of Dodge ball but it becomes something else when put under the black lights! Teams of 6-10 players will play for glory! This event will be held at the Gassett Gymnasium at the O’Keefe Center, Salem State University, starting at 7:00 pm. Registration will begin at 6:00 pm. If you would like to participate but do not currently have a team, please come as you will be placed on a team.

Sunday, Feb. 5

Flag Football Tournament – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Get ready for Super Bowl Sunday! Get your pre-game workout in by participating in an early morning flag football tournament! Teams of 6-8 players will play for the glory of time on the gridiron. This event will be held at the Salem Common. Registration will opens at 9:00 am with games beginning at 10:00 am. If you would like to participate but do not currently have a team, please come as you will be placed on a team

Olde Dutch Games – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Nail pooping…yes, nail pooping will highlight a series of games including cake eating, can throwing, sack races, and others that hark back to Salem’s Dutch heritage. Teams of 2-4 will compete at these traditional Dutch family games. This event will be held at the Salem Community Center, 5 Broad St. Registration will open at 9:00 am with games beginning at 10:00 am. If you would like to participate but do not currently have a team, please come as you will be placed on a team

Outside/Snow Contests – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

A little snow fort building anyone? Pending snow, individuals and teams will work on building the coolest snow fort, seeing who can throw a snowball the farthest, and other outdoor games. Without snow, we will switch tracks and provide for a series of other games and contests. This event will be held at the Salem Common. Registration will open at 9:00 am with games beginning at 10:00 am. People can compete as individuals or teams.

Sponsorship

Any individual or business interested in sponsoring the event should contact those listed below:

• Patricia O’Brien, Director, Salem Park, Rec & Community Services, 978-744-0180
• Dr. KC Bloom, Associate Professor, SMS Department, SSU, 850-339-9674
• Dr. Stuart McMahon, Associate Professor, SMS Department, SSU, 978-578-9127

More info

To follow the games, and for more information, you can follow the event on Facebook and Twitter.

Image via the City of Salem.