Reviewed by: Sharron Swain
Big names like Bo Jackson played in the Alabama State Games + more fun facts
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The 41st annual Alabama State Games return to Birmingham this June, so we wanted to dig into their long history and learn what they’re all about.
Read on to get excited about The Games with fun facts—including former Olympic-gold-medalist participants, academic scholarship opportunities and more.
The State Games started over 40 years ago
The Alabama State Games started at the request of the United States Olympic Committee in 1983 as an attempt to build a grassroots development program for Olympic Athletes.
The first annual Alabama State Games featured only 4 sports with 600 athletes from across the state.
Today, the event has grown into the state’s largest annual multi-sport Olympic-style competition with thousands of athletes of all ages and abilities competing in 24 sports.
- When: June 7-9, 2024
- Where: Locations across the Birmingham area, opening ceremony at the Legacy Arena
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
Here’s a look at some of the sports on offer in 2024:
- Baseball, Bill Noble Park
- Swimming, Birmingham Crossplex
- Soccer, Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex
- Wrestling, Hoover High School
- Beach Volleyball, Pelham Recreation Center
- More
Heisman winners and Olympians have participated
The Alabama State Games were first held in Auburn where future Heisman award winner Bo Jackson took on Olympic gold medalist Harvey Glance in an exhibition 100-meter sprint race, with Glance taking home the win.
Glance also lit the cauldron at the first Alabama State Games and served on the ASF Foundation board from 1992-2009.
Other notables that have been involved in The Games:
- ESPN host Rece Davis
- Olympic gold medalist Jennifer Chandler
- Auburn Coach Pat Dye
- The Band Alabama
- Alabama Running Back Siran Stacy
- Florida State Coach Bobby Bowden
- Alabama Coach Ray Perkins
- UAB Safety Izell Reese
They’ve given away $363,000 in scholarship awards
The goal of the Alabama State Games is to use sports as a vehicle to promote academic excellence, a healthy lifestyle and good citizenship. Those who participate as athletes are eligible to win academic scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000.
For over 25 years, they’ve awarded $363,000 (around $14,500 each year) in scholarships to athletes of all ages to help with their future pursuits at a two-year, four-year or trade school.
“Success is individual; it is not a one-size-fits-all and everyone who desires to be successful can be. We believe that education and training aid those who want to be successful.
It is our honor at the Alabama State Games to help those who want to succeed with academic scholarships. It not only helps the individual but also helps families and Alabama small businesses and corporations.”
Laura Creel Burt, Executive Director, ASF Foundation
Don’t miss the Alabama State Games in Birmingham, June 7-9.
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