Sunflower Games flags to fly downtown

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Jun 14, 2002 by Capital-Journal

To learn more

For more information on the Sunflower State Games or to register to participate or volunteer, go to www.sunflowergames.com.

The Capital-Journal

Characters, custard and fast cars will be featured in a special celebration today in downtown Topeka.

"Downtown Celebration of the Sunflower State Games" will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of Westar Energy, 818 S. Kansas Ave. The downtown event is sponsored by Protection One and Westar Energy.

"Friday is flag day," said Sherry Lundry, executive director of the games. "And the newest flags flying in downtown Topeka are from the Sunflower State Games. We'll have a lot of fun, and people can sign up to participate or volunteer at the games."

July 1 is the preregistration deadline for the more than 25 individual and team sports held during the games. The games, now in their 13th year, will be July 19-21 and July 26-28 in Topeka. Thousands of athletes from across the state are expected to attend.

"We're excited to be a part of bringing the state games to Topeka for the first time," said Robin Lampe, spokeswoman for Protection One. "All Topekans are invited to come downtown Friday to learn more about how to be a part of a July event."

Today's downtown attractions include:

- G's Frozen Custard will sell its treats along the street for $1 for per scoop.

- Registration for two tickets for the NASCAR Winston Cup Series Protection One 400, scheduled for Sept. 29 at the Kansas Speedway, Bonner Springs. The official pace car from the race will also be on hand.

- A racing simulator, which people can ride for $1, will be provided by Heartland Park Topeka. All proceeds will go to the games.

- Characters from Sonic will be in the crowd offering food coupons.

- Child identification kits will be provided by Protection One at 818 S. Kansas Ave. while supplies last. The kits will be available next week at Protection One's branch office at 1324 S. Kansas Ave.

The Sunflower State Games downtown event will coincide with the Juneteenth 2002 Parade. The parade will begin at the Judicial Center at 11 a.m. This is the 25th anniversary of the Juneteenth celebration.

The Topeka Capital-Journal is the presenting sponsor of the Sunflower State Games.

Platinum sponsors are Food 4 Less, Protection One, Discovery Furniture and Westar Energy. Silver sponsors are Capitol Federal Savings, Sprint and Jackson's Greenhouse. Media sponsors are 580 Radio WIBW, KSNT Channel 27, 97 Country, CJOnline and Lamar Outdoor Advertising.