Press
20th Anniversary Utah Summer Games Deemed a Success
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Two decades is a long time in most anyone’s book. This year, the Utah Summer Games celebrated 20 years of offering an Olympic-style sports festival with over 50 sports for athletes of all ages and skill levels, a tremendous Opening Ceremonies and the breaking of many Utah Summer Games records.
“Obviously reaching this milestone is huge for the Utah Summer Games. I don’t know if anyone had any idea the Games would become what they have,” said Kyle Case, Utah Summer Games Director. “This is great.”
The Games offered 10 sports more than were available in 2004, making the total offered sports 54. Some of the new events included Cowboy Action Shooting, Paintball and Judo.
To celebrate the 20 year milestone, the Opening Ceremonies was bigger than ever and included an enormous performance by country music super-star Collin Raye and a tremendous fireworks display. An audience of over 15,000 people enjoyed the inspiring March of Athletes, as well as interaction with the Utah Jazz Bear and much more.
“I really can't remember ever seeing more people in this coliseum than there were for Opening Ceremonies,” commented Mindy Benson, Utah Summer Games Opening Ceremonies Coordinator. “It was a great show with a ton of energy.”
The Games kicked off on June 10, 2005 and ended on June 25, having hosted over 8,400 athletes along with their friends, families and supporters. One of the biggest stories of the year was the Utah Summer Games Soccer Tournament.
“We really wanted to do something big for the 20th Anniversary this year,” commented Case. “So we decided we’d try for 200 soccer teams to really celebrate.” That goal was met with 200 total teams, a new Utah Summer Games record, competing for the gold medal in their respective age brackets.
Among the special guests at the Utah Summer Games this year was Brandon Slay, Olympic Gold Medalist participated in the Team Extreme Wrestling Camp held in conjunction with the Utah Summer Games wresting event.
“Over all, I am very proud of what happened with the Games this year,” said Case. “This year there just seemed to be a special feeling in the air. Everywhere I went, people were smiling and having a good time. Everyone just really came together to pull off an awesome event. It was truly a pleasure to be involved with the Games.”
The Utah Summer Games is the states oldest and largest Olympic-style sports festival and includes sports like Arm Wrestling, Gymnastics and Swimming.Labels: History
