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Reasons Big Competitions Can Be Unbelievably Fun

Reasons Big Competitions Can Be Unbelievably Fun

By Searrah Herendeen

Nobody said competitions had to be scary or extreme. They can be light-hearted, just for fun, or a checkmark on your bucket list. People that have chosen a sport as a hobby may want to avoid the pressure of competition bearing down on them. The expectation that, as a participant, you have to win can be too much. Yet, there are ways to enjoy competing without experiencing these negative thoughts. You've heard us say, “You Don’t Need to be an Olympian to Compete in Olympic Style Games.” Athletes of all ages and abilities can find a sport perfect for their experience level, in the Meijer State Games of Michigan Summer Games. Intensity competition levels range from sanctioned tournaments to beginner divisions.

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Fun with Friends and Family

Entering a competition with friends will make the whole situation feel less competitive. It creates a built-in support system that is rooting for each other to do their best despite competing against one another. Preparing for the event together builds trust and strengthens the bonds between members. Competing with people you are close with diminishes the worry that the strangers in the event are judging you. The Meijer State Games of Michigan Winter Games in Marquette saw many families entering the different events. Even though they could not compete side by side due to age, they could still compare times in the ski and snowboard events. Families celebrated their accomplishments of just making it through the run. 

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Connecting with the community

Competitions allow people to explore new places and meet new people. Stories of success and adventure are shared between spectators and athletes alike, creating lasting relationships. Annual competitions bring together the community of yearly competitors. These competitors may live apart but see each other once a year at their events. Significant events also help businesses be able to interact one on one with the people that support their company.

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The rush of a challenge

People find fun in sports in a variety of ways. One of those ways is being faced with a challenge. It can be a rush to overcome a big obstacle or learn a new skill. The Meijer State Games of Michigan come with many challenges. Athletes of all ages and abilities can learn a new sport or work toward a personal goal. It may be the first time an athlete has ever competed at this scale. Teams are likely competing against teams they have never gone up against before. This may make anticipating the other team's movement and plays hard. When everything is easy and predictable, where is the fun?

A man in a yellow and blue track uniform, runs past the finish marker and wins the race.

Earning a medal

The Meijer State Games of Michigan Summer Games have medals for every event. Gold, silver, and bronze medals are given out for each age range in every sport. Walking away with an award gives athletes a boost of confidence. It is hard not to smile when standing on the podium with a shiny medal, signifying that you were among the best in the event.

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Competitions are only as competitive as you want to make them. It is a mindset that you create before even stepping into the venue. It is essential to focus but also to remember to have fun. To find an event that is right for you, the Meijer State Games of Michigan Summer Games has a lineup of over 30 events.


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.