Can it really be a field day without the long jump?

Apparently most people think so, because more than 200 young adults gathered for a Frisbee-football-volleyball-soccer-centric Field Day on Sunday in the blazing heat.

We're just running a photo spread in the paper, so there's no written story, but I can tell you this: The Catholic Sports Club Field Day involved lots of laughter, lots of conversation and lots of encouragement on the playing field.

Those who weren't kicking or bumping around a ball could spectate while sitting under a shady tree or relax in the picnic area and munch on a burger.

Though I slightly balked at the $10 admission charge for non-Fairfax County residents to get into Burke Lake Park (the woman working the gate didn't seem to care that I used to live in Tysons Corner), it was evident the large and diverse park was well-maintained, and I ended up wishing I'd spent more time exploring the space.

Picnic Area B, where the Field Day was set up, consisted of a picnic space, nearby open field and four sand volleyball courts. It was a little walk from the lake, and though paddle boats were advertised, I don't think anyone from the club ventured that far.

I saw lots of familiar faces from activities like World Youth Day and the St. Mark ski trip last February, but also lots of new ones. Many people said they heard about the Field Day from a friend or saw it advertised on Facebook.

I guess that's what sports do — they bring people together in an appealing, non-threatening, fun-filled environment where people can be themselves. And the Catholic Sports Club ensures that there's a good chance that most people will be authentic witnesses to the faith, while still being welcoming to all.

Follow the club on Facebook to find out what's next on the schedule.