New York, March 28, 2015 - Hundreds of local third-eighth grade students from more than 30 schools participated in the Fourth Annual Uptown Games at the Armory’s New Balance Track and Field Center. The Games, which are designed to expose youth to physical activities, included long jump, shot put and running stations that ranged from the 60 meter dash to 4x100 meter relay.

“I enjoyed today because I learned how to run faster and be strong,” said Tiarra Smith.

“Watching her run was exhilarating,” said Tiarra’s mother, who brought her three elementary school children to participate. “It was a great development meet.”

New York State Senator Adriano Espaillat, New York Road Runners President and CEO Mary Wittenberg and Armory Foundation President Dr. Norbert Sander founded the Games, which were supported this year by Council Members Ydanis Rodriquez and Mark Levin as well as District Six Schools Superintendent Manny Ramirez.   

“This is a great day,” said New York State Senator Adriano Espaillat. “To see the kids running is a great experience because we want to see them healthy. The Armory has opened its doors in this endeavor to combat obesity.”

“The outpouring of young participants exceeded expectations today,” added Dr. Sander. “This is a great introduction for so many of these youngsters to track and field and a healthy lifestyle. We hope that we can build on this and make it bigger and better and continue to bring out more children.”

The annual event was the last of the Armory's 2014-15 indoor season and was produced by New York Road Runners, the world’s premier community running organization whose mission is to help and inspire people through running.

Find Uptown Games photos and videos here:

http://www.armorytrack.com/gprofile.php?do=view_event&event_id=9286&mgroup_id=45586&year=2015