Winter Games Frequently Asked Questions

The Meijer State Games of Michigan is a multi-sport Olympic-style sports festival for the residents of Michigan. An initiative of the West Michigan Sports Commission, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the State Games of Michigan is officially recognized as a United States Olympic Committee State Games Program Participant and is part of a nationwide network of State Games.

All Michigan residents, college students, and military personnel who have lived in the state of Michigan for at least 30 days prior to the day of competition and meet the specific requirements for their sport of interest may compete. Michigan residents attending college or serving in the military in another state are also eligible to compete. Participants in developing individual sports residing close to a neighboring state line may be eligible to compete.

The Meijer State Games of Michigan reserves the right to restrict individuals and/or teams from competing in the Games for the best interest of the event.

The Meijer State Games of Michigan Winter Games is held in February each year. Starting in 2022 the Winter Games will be co-located in West Michigan and Marquette. Check each specific sport page for times and dates of each event.

The main weekend for Marquette is February 10-12, 2023.
The main weekend for the Grand Rapids area/Lower Peninsula is February 17-19, 2023.

To enter the Meijer State Games of Michigan - Winter Games, carefully read the information concerning your specific sport of interest. Follow the step-by-step registration instructions and submit by the entry deadline. Athletes may compete in any number of sports, yet conflicts in scheduling are the responsibility of the athlete. Click here to register.

While there are no specific age limits for participation proof of age is required. Copies of Birth Certificate, MHSAA eligibility list, Military I.D. and/or driver’s license are acceptable proof-of-age documents. Do not mail or hand-deliver any proof-of-age documents to the Meijer State Games of Michigan. The coach/participant should have proof-of-age documents on hand at the event site. In the case of eligibility disputes, lack of proper documentation may result in disqualification of individual participants and/or team

Each sport has its own entry fee requirements. Consult the appropriate sport section of our website for entry fee amounts. There will be NO REFUNDS of entry fees because of rain or other acts of nature or if an athlete or team fails to participate. Sports using outdoor sites are weather dependent. Competitions will be conducted unless the Meijer State Games of Michigan officials determine otherwise, or if the playing fields would incur significant damage.

It is the Meijer State Games of Michigan’s policy to charge a $30 service fee for returned checks in addition to the amount of the original check. The applicant will only be able to participate when the entry fee and service fee have been paid.

Meijer State Games of Michigan medals will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each event unless otherwise noted on sports page. Athletes are responsible for pick-up of awards at the venue on the day of the event.

Insurance is the responsibility of each participant. In some instances, the National Governing Body (NGB), which sanctions an event, may have secondary coverage. In the event of an emergency, injury or illness, medical personnel will be contacted. Competition preparation, such as taping, is the responsibility of the participant.

Athletic trainers will be available on-site at most venues. The athletic trainers will respond to injuries that happen in the field of play. There will be no preparation services available (i.e. taping, etc...). Also, a triage center will be open throughout the weekend so an athlete can be checked out by a doctor prior to visiting a hospital (in non-emergency situations).

Athletes and coaches are responsible for their own food and accommodations throughout their stay. As such, it is up to participants and/or team personnel to review and adhere to the hotel/motel’s cancellation policy. Arrangements have been made with Grand Rapids Metro Area hotels and motels for a special athletic rate for participants in the Meijer State Games of Michigan. Check our Visitor Information pages for the Official Hotel Partners list. Please advise the hotel/motel that you are part of the Meijer State Games of Michigan and wish to receive the special athletic rate. 

All contestants must comply with the uniform requirement of their sport. The Meijer State Games of Michigan reserves the right to disqualify any participant whose uniform is thought to negatively affect the Games.