College students from campuses across California, Nevada and Arizona will participate in friendly picnic games with silly names such as ‘Groundhog’ during the annual event Saturday, Oct. 20, at CSUF.

CSUF's Pilipino American Student Association Hosts 'Friendship Games'

Oct. 20 Event Brings Campus Clubs Together for Day of Friendly Fun

Oct. 17, 2007

More than 20 years ago, Cal State Fullerton’s Pilipino American Student Association began hosting “Friendship Games” as a day of fun picnic games among local college students. Today, the event has turned into a day of fierce, yet friendly competition among student participants who come from universities across California, Nevada and Arizona.

An estimated 4,500 students are expected to participate in the 22nd annual Friendship Games Saturday, Oct. 20, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the College of Engineering and Computer Science Lawn. The public is welcome to watch the zany games.

Last year, thousands of students, community members and other spectators attended the Friendship Games. An estimated 4,500 students are expected to participate in the 22nd annual Friendship Games Saturday, Oct. 20, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the College of Engineering and Computer Science Lawn.

“This event has grown to about 7,000 people, including students, community members and other spectators who want to find out what the aura around Friendship Games is all about,” said Denson Kaiklian, one of the event’s co-coordinators. “The energy in the air is electrifying and it is really hard for someone not to engage in the laughter and the fun.”

The games began in 1985 to bring together cultural clubs from various college campuses across Southern California, Kaiklian said.

College students participate in games with silly names such as Alpine Green, Conveyor Belt and Tidal Wave, and vie for first, second and third place trophies. Conveyor Belt, for example, is where nine participants roll on the ground while one player, called “the package,” is on top of them. The object is to move the “package” like a conveyor belt and to not drop the package while racing to the finish line.

The university selected for showing the most S.P.U.F. (Spirit, Pride, Unity, Friendship) is awarded a trophy measuring 8 feet tall. Last year, Cal Poly Pomona took home the S.P.U.F. award and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas garnered the first place trophy.

A halftime show will showcase student performers including CSUF’s Theta Delta Beta Step Squad and Team Millenia Dance Team, along with Roscoe Umali, a Filipino musician. The daylong event also features non-profit and community groups and Asian food.

Winners will be announced at an after-party at 9 p.m. at the House of Blues in Anaheim.

For more information, visit www.fg.csufpasa.com or call Denson Kaiklian at 714-323-6880 or Bernard Francisco at 714-404-8635.