By By Tony Krausz / assistant sports editor
June 28, 2004
The State Games of Mississippi wanted to show its appreciation for all of the events volunteers while they were still in town on Sunday.
The Volunteer Appreciation reception was held on the final day of the statewide, Olympic-style event at Meridian Community College's Tommy Dulaney Room.
The Games had 450 volunteers for this year's event, which was held over the weekend and on June 15-16.
The volunteers helped run the 26 sports during the events, ranging from sport commissioners to site volunteers.
At the reception, volunteers received a free buffet meal, and organizers held a drawing for door prizes.
Barnhill's provided the food for the reception dinner. The restaurant also provided food for volunteers at the site.
The reception, which lasted from 5-8 p.m., drew 50 in the first hour, and the Games workers said they expected to draw 80-100 volunteers before the end of the night.
The 2004 Volunteer of the Year award is expected to be announced on Aug. 1.
The Games will officially end on July 9-11 with the youth swimming competition at the Highland Park pool.