By Staff
Photo by Carisa McCain / The Meridian Star
HOLDING THE BANNER Team manager Beth Coleman, left, Sara Coleman and Karry Moore hold the Laurel Lightning eight and under soccer team banner as they march Friday night during opening ceremonies of the 2002 State Games.
By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
June 15, 2002
As the sun slipped behind the west side of Meridian High School's Ray Stadium Friday evening, thousands of amateur athletes from around the state settled into their seats.
They took in the sights and sounds of opening ceremonies of the 2002 State Games of Mississippi which officially kicks off the olympic-style athletic event held in Meridian for the past 11 years.
The athletes and their families came to Meridian from all over the state to compete in 27 amateur athletic events.
Richardson was one of more than 2,000 athletes who marched around the football field during opening ceremonies, where festivities included live music, torchbearers lighting a rocket and a fireworks show.
Attorney General Mike Moore was on hand to represent The Partnership For a Healthy Mississippi, the event's first-ever presenting sponsor.
This year's event was geared around honoring local servicemen and servicewomen with a patriotic theme. American flags and red, white and blue ribbons were draped around the stadium to help set the mood for the evening.
Leah Reed, public relations and marketing director of this year's games, said the theme was created to show appreciation for people who serve and protect local residents and their country.
Meridian police officer Lee Wilson said it was an honor to be able to walk with the athletes.
After the ceremonies, some of the athletes had to hurry back to their hotels to get ready for today's competition.
Richardson said his team would be up by 5 a.m. to get ready for a game at 7 a.m.