By By Penny Randall / staff writer
June 25, 2004
The State Games of Mississippi opened with a frenzy last week and will end on that same note Sunday, according to organizers.
April Luke, executive director of the Games, said she expects about 1,500 athletes for the final weekend of competition. About 3,900 athletes participated in the first weekend on June 19-20, which saw competition in 12 sports.
The Games enter their final weekend of competition with its most watched events baseball and basketball.
Baseball players received their first taste of the Games on Wednesday, as teams practiced in front of professional scouts at Meridian Community College's Scaggs Field. Baseball games started Thursday at MCC's Scaggs Field and will continue through Sunday.
The high school basketball portion of the Games started Thursday, as 32 boys and girls teams prepare for the three-day tournament.
Teams will play at Meridian High School, Newton High School and Newton County High School today and Saturday. The championship games will be played at MCC's Ivy Sports Center on Sunday, with the girls final game tipping off at 1:30 p.m. and the boys at 3 p.m.
The Games will have a full slate on Saturday and Sunday that will see youth and adults compete. The only change entering this weekend is in the adult soccer competition, which games will be played at the Northeast Soccer Complex.
Other events set for this weekend include Canoe/Kayak at Bonita Lakes, Dressage at the Lauderdale County Agri-Center, a 5K Road Race and Mountain Bike Race at Bonita Lakes, swimming at MCC, youth and adult tennis at the Northeast Tennis Center and 4-man volleyball at MCC.
This year's state-wide, Olympic-style competition will have a different ending. The Games will hold a Volunteer Appreciation reception on Sunday, the last day of competition. It will be from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at Meridian Community College's Tommy Dulaney Room.
Luke said this is a time to say "thank you" to the many volunteers and staff who give of their time.