Officials with the National Congress of State Games (NCSG) have announced that Grand Rapids, Mich. has been selected to host the 2017 State Games of America, pending contractual obligations by both parties. The NCSG board heard presentations from four cities vying to host the pinnacle of more than 30 individual state game competitions while attending their Annual Symposium in Grand Rapids at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel October 13-15, 2014.
Competing cities included: San Diego, CA; Lincoln, NE; Grand Rapids, MI and Hampton Roads, VA. “It was a tough decision by our board, as all cities proved their ability to successfully host these games. Ultimately, the board felt that Grand Rapids offered the most compelling bid based on their successful Meijer State Games of Michigan and the many community and local sport partnerships involved in the bid.” stated Dan Duffy, President of the National Congress of State Games.
The State Games of America is an Olympic-style event featuring competition between State Games medal winners (gold, silver, bronze) from across the nation. There are currently 31 states conducting or organizing statewide sports festivals known as State Games. The games are held biennially, with the 2017 games slated for August 3-6, 2017. The 2015 State Games of America will be held in Lincoln, NE July 28 – August 2.
“I am very excited to begin planning for the 2017 State Games of America. Our growth and success of the Meijer State Games have prepared us to host these national games. I am thankful for the corporate and sport tournament committee support that have made our state games what they are. We will be ready to host the nation’s athletes in 2017.” Expressed Eric Engelbarts, Executive Director of the Meijer State Games of Michigan.
The West Michigan Sports Commission (WMSC), Experience Grand Rapids and the Meijer State Games of Michigan partnered together to bid on and host the State Games of America in 2017.
“Our community continually supports public/private partnerships, which helped form the West Michigan Sports Commission and our success in promoting sports tourism. This support is also reflected in our successful Meijer State Games of Michigan, which contributed to the NCSG board’s decision and trust in our ability to host a successful State Games of America in 2017.” stated Mike Guswiler, President of the WMSC.
For more information about the State Games of America, visit: www.sga2015.com.
If you are interested in speaking with a representative of the National Congress of State Games, please contact Eric Engelbarts via email at eengelbarts@westmisports.com or by phone 616-233-3563 office, 616-826-4385 cell.
About the Meijer State Games of Michigan: Modeled after the Olympics, the Meijer State Games of Michigan welcomes athletes regardless of age or ability level. The Games embody the values of participation, sportsmanship and healthy living among resident of Michigan. A signature event of the West Michigan Sports Commission, the Meijer State Games of Michigan is truly a grassroots organization that relies on the dedication of thousands of volunteers and the support of corporate partners.
About the West Michigan Sports Commission: Established in 2007, the West Michigan Sports Commission has worked with more than 350 events that have brought over 300,000 people into the community and generated an economic impact of more than $100 million from visitor spending.
About the National Congress of State Games: The National Congress of State Games (NCSG) is a membership organization comprised of 31 Summer State Games and 10 Winter State Games organizations and a member of the United States Olympic Committee's Multi Sport Organizational Council. The mission of the NCSG is to support State Games member organizations in the promotion of health, fitness and character building through Olympic-Style competitions and physical activities.
The NCSG is also the rights holder of the State Games of America, an Olympic-style event featuring competition between State Games medal winners (gold, silver, bronze) from across the nation.
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