MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Southern California’s battering rain storms failed to keep some of Camp Pendleton's sport's enthusiasts away from the base’s Paige Fieldhouse to compete in their favorite indoor sports to win coveted Bulldog trophies.
The annual Sports Jam Series kicked off its yearly tradition of late night sporting events with the Back in the Saddle night, Jan. 22.
"The Sports Jam Series is a group effort between the Health Promotion and Fitness Program departments and Paige Field House management, to provide a free, safe, alcohol-free event that is open to all service members and their families," said Cari Gordonne, fitness programs supervisor, Semper Fit division, Marine Corps Community Services.
The Back in the Saddle night is the first of three Sports Jam events. The tournaments run from 5 p.m. to midnight and offer a variety of activities, including basketball, volleyball, table tennis, dodge ball, racquetball and Zumba dance aerobics.
"Back in the Saddle is one of our most important events," Gordonne said. "Everyone knows it's difficult to get back into an exercise regime after the holidays, and this event helps to get everyone 'back in the saddle.'"
The Sports Jam Series began back in 2002 and has grown every year since its inception.
"The program started with just basketball but it has grown to include a variety of sports and works in conjunction with the 101 Days of Summer Safety Challenge the base holds every year," Gordonne said.
While the rain kept some people away from this event, each Sports Jam Series event usually brings in anywhere from 200 to 250 people.
Even with a smaller-than-normal crowd, the competitive edge between the participants was as intense.
"I try to come to every Sports Jam Series event," said Cpl. Todd Ferguson, Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. "Even though this event was not as crowded as other events, the competition was even fiercer than the last one."
Future Sports Jam Series events for 2010 include the Midnight Sports Jam April 9 and the 101 Days of Summer Sports Jam Aug. 27.
"The Sports Jam is a great forum for our patrons to come out, recreate in group settings and encourage cohesion and camaraderie in a fun environment," Gordonne said.
For more information about future Sports Jam Series events visit www.mccsCP.com/getfit or call (760) 763-0657/3794.