Summer Games Ignite Spirits at NASA Langley
On a bright and sunny Friday in late July, a large field at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, transformed into a vibrant arena of camaraderie and competition for the highly anticipated 2024 Langley Summer Games.
From soccer to drone flying, each event highlighted the skills and teamwork that are the hallmarks of NASA Langley. Games took place simultaneously and included volleyball, ultimate frisbee, astro-trivia, and much more. Participants from across all directorates and buildings were separated into different “districts” to compete and advance as teams.
Jenny Ruiz, an intern who participated in the soccer tournaments, shared her experience. “It’s been amazing to play alongside my mentors and peers,” Jenny said. “From being behind a computer screen all day to getting on the soccer field, we’ve established a stronger mentor-mentee bond.”
Spikeball, cornhole, and relay races took place throughout the day, with competitors showing off their quick reflexes and hand-eye coordination. Sana Kakumanu, an intern in NASA Langley’s Office of Communications, remarked on the broader impact of the games. “I really enjoy the sense of inter-directorate community,” Sana said.
In a nod to Langley’s innovative spirit, the paper airplane toss was a crowd favorite. Participants took turns crafting aerodynamic masterpieces and trying their hand at a new creative outlet.
The astro-trivia competition tested participants’ intellectual capabilities, and included topics such as NASA at the Movies, Astronomy 101, and Space Exploration.
“The Langley Summer Games is a fantastic event that we are thrilled to put on and thrilled to have so much community engagement.”
“The Langley Summer Games is a fantastic event each summer that we are thrilled to put on and thrilled to have so much community engagement,” observed Will Cummings-Grande, an aerospace engineer with the Aeronautics Systems Analysis Branch and one of the Summer Games’ organizers. “We would like to thank all of our helpers and participants for making this so special.”
As the day concluded with the closing ceremony, Dave Young, senior advisor to NASA Langley’s director, reflected on the event’s significance. “I’m always amazed at how hard NASA Langley works, but I’m even more amazed at how hard NASA Langley plays,” Young said.
In the end, the Langley Summer Games were more than just a series of competitions. They were a testament to the remarkable spirit of collaboration, innovation, and fun that drives the Langley family forward, both here on Earth and beyond the stars.
Author: Nivedita Gargi, Summer Intern with Office of Communications, NASA Langley
Published: August 2024