It was announced today that the next USA Masters Games (USAMG) will be held June 26-28, 2020 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The third edition of the USA Masters Games will be held at venues across the west Michigan region in conjunction with the State Games of Michigan.
"We are delighted to partner with the West Michigan Sports Commission and the State Games of Michigan on the 2020 USA Masters Games," said Hill Carrow, CEO of the USA Masters Games. "The sports commission has a successful track record of hosting multisport events, led by the annual State Games of Michigan. The organizational experience and excellent venues made the selection of Grand Rapids a natural for the USA Masters Games."
The USA Masters Games are a multisport, Olympic-style event for athletes 21 and over. The inaugural USA Masters Games were held in Greensboro, NC, in 2016, where over 2,500 adult athletes competed in 24 sports ranging from Badminton and Baseball to Water Polo and Weightlifting. Participants were from 10 countries on 6 continents and 45 states. The second USA Masters Games were held last summer in San Diego, where 2,000 athletes from 9 countries on 5 continents and 38 states took part. New sports in San Diego included archery, bodybuilding, judo, and powerlifting.
"We are excited to be selected as the host for the third USA Masters Games," said Eric Englebarts, Executive Director of the State Games of Michigan. "Last year we hosted the State Games of America and our community really rallied around those games. Our sport coordinators and volunteers did a great job on that event, and we see the 2020 USA Masters Games as a strong next step in the world of multisport events for Grand Rapids."
There's more to the USA Masters Games than sports competition. The Games include Opening Ceremonies, Games Village, and various social events. "We intend to use the opportunity of the Games to showcase our city and region to the national and international competitors," said Mike Guswiler, President of the West Michigan Sports Commission. "We want the participants to have fast times on the track and good times out on the town."
With the 2020 Games in Grand Rapids, the USA Masters Games will return to the original vision for the Games to be held every other year in the even year. Currently the Games organization is in the midst of a bid process for the 2022 USA Masters Games. There will be an information session on the 2022 Games opportunity on Wednesday, June 27 and bids are due Friday, August 24.
About the USA Masters Games:The USA Masters Games is the National Sports Festival for Adult Athletes, ages 21 and over. The Games feature 24 sports, Opening & Closing Ceremonies, Games Village, social activities and entertainment. The inaugural USA Masters Games took place in Greensboro, NC, from Thursday, July 21 to Sunday, July 31, 2016. This year's USA Masters Games were held Thursday to Sunday, June 22-25, and Thursday to Sunday, July 13-16, 2017 in San Diego, California. For more information on the USA Masters Games, visit usamastersgames.com.
About the Meijer State Games of Michigan:The Meijer State Games of Michigan, a West Michigan Sports Commission signature event, is an Olympic-style, multisport event that welcomes athletes regardless of age or ability level. The games embody the values of participation, sportsmanship, and healthy living among the residents of Michigan. Since 2010, Meijer State Games of Michigan has hosted over 65,000+ athletes. The Meijer State Games of Michigan has also contributed over $25 million in estimated economic impact to cities throughout Michigan. For more information on the Meijer State Games of Michigan, visit stategamesofmichigan.com.
About the West Michigan Sports Commission:The West Michigan Sports Commission, a non-profit 501 (c) (3), works to identify, secure and host a diverse level of youth and amateur sporting events to make a positive impact on the region's economy and quality of life. Celebrating 10 years since its inception in 2007, the WMSC has booked 646 sporting events and tournaments that attracted more than 1 million athletes and visitors, generating $297 million in direct visitor spending. For more information on the West Michigan Sports Commission, visit westmisports.com.
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