By Staff
Special to The Star
May 29, 2002
The State Games of Mississippi is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help at the 2002 Games, the state's premier amateur sports festival set for June 14-16 and June 20-23 in Meridian.
The State Games of Mississippi is the state's largest amateur multi-sports festival for athletes of all ages and abilities. The Games provide a challenge for aspiring athletes who wish to experience the thrills of formal Olympic-style competition.
On site and behind the scenes, the State Games utilizes more than 450 volunteers who continuously work to help the Games flourish. Volunteer assignments are now available, with an average work shift of four to six hours.
Event duties range from ticket-taking, equipment setup, timing, scoring, measuring distances, registration of athletes and delivering water and other supplies. Service duties include answering phones, registration, score reporting, media communications and parade logistics at the Opening Ceremonies.
The first weekend of State Games competition begins with the opening ceremonies sponsored by Rush Foundation Hospital on June 14 at Meridian High's Ray Stadium. The ceremonies features the Parade of Athletes, the torch lighting and fireworks.
Attorney General Mike Moore, representing the Games' first-ever presenting sponsor The Partnership For a Healthy Mississippi will kick off the event at the opening ceremonies.
All volunteers for the State Games of Mississippi will receive a free State Games volunteer T-shirt, a ticket to attend the opening ceremonies and an invitation to the State Games Volunteer Reception in July.
Each year State Games recognizes an outstanding "Volunteer of the Year." In 2001, Catherine Brown was presented with the award for her devoted time and energy to the operations of the Games.
Participating athletes will compete on two separate weekends June 15-16 and June 20-23.
First weekend sports are: archery, adult basketball, bowling, mule and donkey, powerlifting, youth soccer, softball, stickball, youth swimming, table tennis, track and field, two-man volleyball and water skiing.
Sports slated for June 20-23 are: high school baseball, high school basketball, canoe/kayak, cycling road race, dressage, fencing, 5K road race, mountain bike race, adult soccer, masters swimming, youth/adult tennis and 4-man volleyball.
The State Games of Mississippi welcomes back its two founding "Gold Sponsors," Rush Foundation Hospital and Meridian Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Also recognized as "Gold Sponsors" are Conoco Super Stop, McAlister's Deli and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
For volunteer applications and schedules call the State Games of Mississippi office at (800) 482-0205. You can visit the State Games of Mississippi Web site at www.stategamesofms.org or send e-mail to stgamiss@aol.com.