RJ Donovan gets into spirit of Olympics

August 22, 2024

Participants parade after the RJ Donovan Correctional Facility E-Yard Olympics.

After friendly competition in the spirit of the Olympics, those incarcerated at RJ Donovan Correctional Facility held their own closing ceremonies.

Held Aug. 10 on Facility E, the ceremonies recognized winners from eight Olympic-style events organized by CDCR coaches.

The competition included the following events:

RJD 2024 Olympics design in the yard at the prison.

100-meter dash (individually timed): Two best-times in finals head-to-head.
One-mile run (individually timed): Three laps around the track. Two best times in finals head-to-head.
One-mile relay race with sports baton: Teams of three for three laps. Two fastest teams faced off in finals.
Outdoor soccer, seven vs. seven
Outdoor volleyball, five vs. five
Indoor basketball, five vs. five
ADA Wheelchair: One lap individually time around E Yard concrete
ADA Wheelchair: Basketball shootout

The RJ Donovan Olympics were organized by Coaches J. Torres and S. Anguiano-Vega. A big hit with the population, the friendly games were offered in the spirit of those held at this year’s Olympics in Paris, France. Staff assigned to Facility E said they also enjoyed the event.

Winners were awarded ribbons to acknowledge their achievements.

In further mirroring the Olympic ceremonies, there was also a torch run and a parade of participants.

Submitted by Lt. Adam Garvey