2012 State Games details unveiled

LANSING, Mich. (WOOD) - Officials unveiled Tuesday details of this year's Meijer State Games of Michigan, which will be held in the greater Grand Rapids area.

The third annual event will take place June 22-24, with the opening ceremony at East Kentwood High School. It will include the Parade of Athletes, the lighting of the cauldron, and other entertainment.

At a ceremony in Lansing, the West Michigan Sports Commission announced the 2012 sports lineup, the winners of the 2011 Athlete of the Year awards, and its new partnership with the Michigan Fitness Foundation.

A total of 30 sports will be offered for participants of all ages, with five sports added from the more than two dozen offered last year.

2012 sports additions and potential venues:

• Cycling -- Grand Valley State University -- Allendale Campus
• Disc golf -- Brewer Park on 84th Street -- Byron Center
• Dodgeball -- Creston High School -- Grand Rapids
• Shooting sports -- Rockford Sportsman's Club -- Rockford
• Water Polo -- East Grand Rapids High School -- Grand Rapids

Hank Meijer, CEO of Meijer Corporation, presented the Athlete of the Year awards to the 2011 winners. Coaches, parents, spectators as well as athletes had the chance throughout the games to submit their nomination of who they think deserved this award.

2011 Athletes of the Year:

• Youth Athlete: Chandler Simmering, Portage
• Female Athlete: Jessica LeMire, Grand Rapids, Michigan
• Male Athlete: Bob Miller, Macatawa, Michigan

"A heartfelt thanks to the many great athletes who made up the Meijer State Games of Michigan," said Hank Meijer, co-chairman and CEO of Meijer. "The competition was spirited and created lasting memories for the thousands of spectators who attended, and we are looking forward to another exciting summer of the games."

The 2011 Meijer State Games of Michigan brought more than 4,000 athletes from 68 of the 83 Michigan counties to West Michigan. More than 1,000 athletes marched in the parade of athletes during the opening ceremony and about 2,400 medals were awarded. The event brought in an estimated $1,125,000 in direct spending impact to the greater Grand Rapids area.

Also announced on Tuesday. the West Michigan Sports Commission is teaming with the Michigan Fitness Foundation and the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports to promote opportunities for families to be active together.

A newsletter, supported by Farm Bureau Insurance, that goes home with nearly 400,000 students who participate in ACES (All Children Exercise Simultaneously) will encourage families to participate in Meijer State Games events.

Other physical activity opportunities will also be promoted by both organizations.

"The Meijer State Games is a great way to get Michiganders excited about being active this summer. The Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Michigan Fitness Foundation commend the West Michigan Sports Commission for bringing these events to the greater Grand Rapids community, and we are glad to help promote them," Marilyn Lieber, president and CEO of the Michigan Fitness Foundation said in a news release.

"We're building a healthier, more vibrant state and the Meijer State Games of Michigan is an important contributor to our goals," said Gov. Rick Snyder. "Through education, good-natured competition and pure fun, the Games promote the healthy lifestyles that are so vital to us as individuals and as a state. We're excited as we look ahead to the 2012 Games. They would not be possible without the tremendous support of thousands of volunteers and our good corporate citizens. This is a wonderful partnership that brings Michiganders together for a common goal. It's a pleasure to help kick off this year's event and there's no doubt that Michigan's Games will be the best in the nation."

"These games have become a platform for increasing activity and healthy living for Michigan citizens," stated Mike Guswiler, executive director of the West Michigan Sports Commission. "We are excited to be partnering with the Michigan Fitness Foundation. We also could not ask for a better title sponsor and partner than the Meijer stores, who represent quality foods promoting nutritious diets throughout their locations in Michigan and the Midwest."