Connolly Games
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SubscribeThe Connolly Games, named after the USA's first Olympic gold medallist, James Brendan Connolly, the Games were held in July 2004 and July 2008, in Springfield, Ohio, USA.
The Games are a reciprocal sporting and cultural exchange with Casey’s sister city, Springfield, Ohio USA. A wide variety of sports have been contested in past Games including soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, golf and athletics.
Competitors in the Games are non-professional athletes from Years 10, 11 and 12 aged 16 - 18 who either live in the City of Casey or are a member of a sporting organisation that is based in the City of Casey at the time of the exchange.
The exchange history includes the 2004 Connolly Games when Casey sent a contingent of 89 over to Springfield and the 2008 Connolly Games which involved a Casey contingent of 34 young athletes and support personnel travelling to the USA.
2008 Connolly Games
The 2008 Connolly Games were a successful sporting and cultural exchange to Springfield, Ohio, USA in July 2008. The 18 day exchange saw a contingent of 34 Casey athletes and support personnel travel to Springfield to compete in girl’s soccer and boy’s basketball.
Prior to travelling to Springfield, the group enjoyed a 4 day stop over in Los Angeles, getting to know each other and experiencing the local sights including Santa Monica Beach, Hollywood, Disneyland and Universal Studios.
In Springfield, the contingent experienced home town hospitality, being matched and staying with local Springfield host families. This was a highlight for many with US culture and customs being shared with the Australians.
In the sporting arena, the Casey athletes came up against some strong competitions from the Americans. Both girl’s soccer and boy’s basketball were well contested and the players were fortunate to test their skills at this high level of competition and gain valuable feedback from the US coaches.
Social and cultural events in Springfield complemented the sports program and contingent members enjoyed excursions such as a Dayton dragons baseball game, walking tour of downtown Springfield, Splash Zone aquatic centre and mini golf. The group were fortunate to take part in American Independence Day celebrations on the 4th July national holiday and many were treated to cook-outs, neighbourhood gatherings, street parades, bonfires and fireworks.
As a sporting and cultural exchange providing young people with the opportunity to experience a different culture, develop global friendships, learn and grow, the 2008 Connolly Games was a resounding success. Through sister city activities, the City of Casey aims to promote goodwill, harmony and increased tolerance, break down barriers, build links, enhance cultural awareness, encourage friendship and global understanding.