Opportunities for Athletes in the State Game Model

STATE GAMES THROUGHOUT AMERICA

The State Games movement began in 1978.

State Games are part of the National Congress of State Games which is a member of the United States Olympic Committee's Multi Sport Organizational Council.

In 1986 the National Congress of State Games was formed.

Each year nearly 200,000 athletes of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels take part in State Games competitions nationwide. An additional 1.2 million spectators attend State Games events, made possible by the work of thousands of coaches, parents, officials, sponsors and more than 100,000 volunteers. Once every two years the State Games of America are held for medal winners from the State Games all over the United States.

THE ALABAMA STATE GAMES

The Alabama State Games was begun in 1982, with the first games in 1983 in Auburn.

The Alabama State Games offers an olympic-style Opening Ceremony, which includes the Parade of Athletes and the lighting of the cauldron, and is televised live statewide.

This year the Games are offering over 30 different sports in venues all around Birmingham, Jefferson County, and surrounding areas. More than 6,000 athletes are expected to participate.

Participants in the games are of all ages (literally from 3 to 90), all levels of competition (beginners to world-class athletes), and all abilities (inclusivity of athletes with or without disabilities).

The Alabama State Games is committed to making sure that participation by student-athletes meets the standards and requirements of the governing bodies (the AHSAA, the AISA, etc.).

The Alabama State Games is operated by the ASF Foundation, a 501(C)3 non-profit organization. The ASF Foundation has presented over $300,000 in academic scholarships, and will be awarding between $6,000 and $10,000 in academic scholarships in 2020.

The ASF Foundation is a part of the UrKeys2Drv program, which encourages safe driving habits with teens. The Foundation also has a Student Ambassador program designed to mentor students in academics, citizenship, and leadership. HOW DO ATHLETES BECOME INVOLVED IN THE GAMES?

There are no qualifiers to become part of the games. Entry fees are kept as reasonable as possible.

Registration for all sports will be open no later than March 1, 2020. Some (i.e. 5K) are already open for registration.

Gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded to the top three in each category of each sport.

Each sport has a Tournament Director over it that is an expert in the sport.

The website for registration will be found at www.alagames.com,

A COUPLE OF OTHER NOTES:

Because the Alabama State Games is a non-profit organization there is always a serious need for volunteers to help with the Games. Volunteers can sign up here: Volunteer Sign Up

The following is the list of sports that are purposed for the 2020 Alabama State Games:

5K Diving Soccer Wheelchair Tennis Flag Football Baton FootGolf** Table Games Table Tennis BMX Miracle League Bocce Ball Mountain Biking Tennis Ninja Challenge Track & Field Cornhole Pickleball Volleyball Disk Golf Shooting Sports Wheelchair Basketball

** Footgolf is dependent on finding a Footgolf course.

For more information or questions contact: Dean Kelly Sarah Bush Kristofer Johnson Vice-President ASF Foundation Event & Program Coordinator. Event & Program Coordinator Director, Alabama State Games ASF Foundation ASF Foundation 334-440-8072 334-440-8254 334-440-8253 [email protected] [email protected]. [email protected]