Rocky Mountain State Games Announces Three New Events

The Colorado Springs Sports Corp has announced the addition of a trio of thrilling new sports to the lineup for the 2019 Rocky Mountain State Games.

The 18th annual Rocky Mountain State Games will take place primarily over the last two weekends in July, (July 19-21 & 26-28) with the majority of competitions in Colorado Springs. Athletes can take advantage of early registration discounts and find all important information on their sport, venue and dates at: RockyMountainStateGames.org

Here’s a look at the new sports added:

NINJA CHALLENGE: Saturday, June 22

Modeled after the popular television show American Ninja Warrior, The Ninja Challengeis a Ninja Warrior style obstacle competition with obstacles similar to the television show, including a buzzer to hit if an athlete defeats the course.

The course is designed by the Castle Rock host facility Ninja Intensity course designers and veteran athletes in line with the Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association (UNAA) for the best ninja experience possible. Length of course will be up to 10 obstacles including warped walls (two wall heights for age groups).

“Ninja Intensity is very excited to be a part of Rocky Mountain State Games, and we think this is an amazing opportunity to grow the sport,” said sport commissioner Brandi Lebsack.

All participants of the 2019 Rocky Mountain State Games Ninja Challenge are elligible to participate in the State Games of America Ninja Competition on July 31 - August 4, 2019 in Lynchburg, VA.

5v5 SOCCER: Saturday, July 27-Sunday, July 28

State Games is thrilled to partner with Rush Pikes Peak Soccer Club to offer a new and engaging format of soccer to the sports line-up. The tournament will be held at El Pomar Youth Sports Park and will offer divisions for youth (under 15) and adults.

Competition format will consist of a shortened game on a smaller field to encourage grassroots soccer engagement and fun for all levels of players.

"Rush Pikes Peak is excited to partner with RMSG this summer and be able to work together to create a fun and unique 5v5 soccer tournament for young soccer athletes," said sports commissioner Seth Edick.

SHOOTING (Rifle & Handgun Rimfire Challenge): Sunday, July 28

This newly formatted addition will be hosted at the Pikes Peak Gun Club-Isaak Walton Range on a newly-constructed, multi-purpose shooting facility. The modified Rimfire Challenge Shooting Association (RCSA) Open Division rules (rimfirechallenge.org) will govern all events. Target distances will range from 7-35 yards for rifle and 7-20 yards for handgun.  

RCSA rule modifications include: Handgun and rifle events will be run separately. Athletes can register for one or both events but are not required to register for both. Competition format will consist of three strings of targets instead of five strings as outlined in the rules.

The Colorado Springs Sports Corporation, which owns and operates the Games, is looking forward to a sixth consecutive year with more than 10,000 athletes competing. Last summer, Colorado's largest multi-sport festival attracted a record 10,874 athletes of all ages and abilities from across the Colorado and states nationwide, breaking the previous mark of 10,513 set in 2016.

Since its debut in 2002, the RMSG has attracted more than 186,000 spectators and more than 124,000 athletes, and more than half of those athletes have come from outside El Paso County, supporting The Sports Corp's mission of driving economic development in the region.

Registration for all events can be found at this link.