10th Anniversary of Winter Games

By Searrah Herendeen

Meijer Winter State Games is celebrating its 10th anniversary with live coverage from Tv-19. This year the return to Marquette brings more snow, commemorative challenge coins to honor veterans, and the Olympic style “fire tornado” cauldron. The sports line-up is different than 10 years ago, and has expanded to 19 events. A few Michigan natives that have competed in the Olympics will be joining the festivities at the opening ceremony.

Have an idea for a blog article? Email Searrah Herendeen.

Photo courtesy of Rebecca Humes Photography

This winter sports season marks an important milestone for the Meijer State Games of Michigan. This is the 10th anniversary of Winter Games! That is an arrow in the center ring, five baskets made inside the three-point arch, and a double five in darts. This year, winter sports is continuing its journey by staying local and returning to Marquette. You can join us from the comfort of your home. The opening ceremony will be live on TV-19!

To celebrate this decade of wintery wonderfulness, we will be exploring the moments to remember.

1. The Return to Marquette

Living in the lower peninsula during the winter does not always come with the promise of snow. It is the middle of January and I’m splashing in puddles. Michigan can experience all seasons in one day. That is why a decision was made to conduct some of the winter sports in the upper peninsula. At least in the U.P. we won’t have to worry about whether or not the athletes will be skiing down mudslides.

Last year the opening ceremony was a blast. This year we want anyone and everyone to participate in the parade. Participation is free, and there is a chance that you could be seen on television. To honor those who have served, we are giving out commemorative challenge coins. Veterans are encouraged to register before, but it is not necessary. To register a veteran go to: https://www.stategamesofmichigan.com/honoring-our-veteran

2. The Fire Tornado

Photo courtesy of the Meijer State Games of Michigan Staff

Solid Bloch created a new Olympic style cauldron for the Meijer State Games of Michigan. It was lit during the first opening ceremony in Marquette. It created a burning vision of the power these athletes, and the community, have within them. It also provided some warmth to those that braved the weather to view the spectacle. If you missed it last year, no worry, this year gives you another chance.

3. the come and go of events

Photo courtesy of Meijer State Games of Michigan Staff

In 2013, the Winter Games sports line-up included events that are no longer featured. These sports included BMX, mountain biking - fatbike, racquetball, and speed skating. In past there has also been virtual games during the pandemic. Other sports include wheelchair fencing, quad rugby, snowball softball, and volleyball.

This year the Winter Games will feature 19 sporting events. These events include include archery – indoor, basketball, bowling, cross country skiing, curling, darts, disc golf, fencing, figure skating, judo, karate, luge, ninja, shooting sports – pistol, ski and snowboard, sport stacking, swimming postal, snowshoe, and wrestling. To register or learn more about these events, visit: https://www.stategamesofmichigan.com/winter-games-sports-lineup

4. Olympian Guests

Photo courtesy of Meijer States Games of Michigan Staff

In previous years, the Winter Games have welcomed Olympians from all over the state. This year we have invited Olympians once again, and are expecting a few special arrivals.

John Kusku, a Michiganian that lived in the thumb, won a medal in the 2016 Summer Paralympics. He was a speaker at last year’s opening ceremony. This year he will coming back, but not to just stand on the sidelines. Kusku will be competing in cross country skiiing with the use of a guide.

Gary Morgan, a true Michigander, was a participant in the Meijer State Games of Michigan - Summer Games. Before that he competed in the Olympic Games in 1988. His sport of choice is race walking. Gary has accepted our invite and will be joining the crowd for Winter Games.

Nick Baumgartner, a yooper at heart, recently won a gold medal in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Mixed team snowboard cross. Baumgartner has confirmed his appearance and will have cards available to autograph.

The Meijer State Games of Michigan is a multi-sport, Olympic-style event(s) that welcome athletes regardless of age or ability level. The Games embody the values of participation, sportsmanship and healthy living.

Interested in our Summer Games?
www.StateGamesofMichigan.com/summergames

Interested in our Winter Games?
www.StateGamesofMichigan.com/wintergames