SSG to keep athletes busy

By Trista Freed

THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Amateur athletes will have a reason to keep busy the next few weekends. The Sunflower State Games will take place the next three weekends, starting Friday.

Athletes who have lived in Kansas for at least 30 days can compete. However, they need to register by Friday.

There are four new sports - handball, pickleball (a combination of Ping-Pong, tennis and badminton), power lifting and table tennis.

The Athlete & Volunteer Festival is another addition. The festival, scheduled to take place 6 to 9 p.m. July 18 at Hummer Sports Park, kicks off the Sunflower State Games and will include a torch-lighting ceremony and recognition of sponsors.

The Governor's Cup Road Race has moved to 7 p.m. during the festival.

National sports organizations are sanctioning some of the events this year, allowing athletes involved in national sports associations can gain points when they participate in the endorsed events.

Tennis, power lifting and cycling are some of the sanctioned sports.

"We're trying to get as many of our sports sanctioned as we can," said Mitch Gross, executive director of the Sunflower State Games.

Gross said the community sponsors have been generous this year, helping make the games happen.

The event brings almost $3 million into the local economy.

"Almost every hotel will be filled up," Gross said. "Restaurants have taken notice, too, and sponsored us because they've seen the impact we have."

For example, sandwich shop Jersey Mike's is helping raise money for the games. On July 26 and 27, the business will be accepting coupons, with percentage of the money going towards financing the games .

With the number of athletes involved in the games, there is a need for volunteers.

"We're still looking for volunteers. It's never too late for people to sign up," Gross said.

For information, go to www.sunflowergames.com.

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