Coloradoans From 43 Cities And Towns Have Already Signed Up To Compete In The 2008 State Games Of The West In Colorado Springs, July 24-27

Last summer, more than 6,500 Colorado athletes from 115 cities and towns found their way to Colorado Springs to compete against some 4,500 athletes from 47 other states in the 2007 State Games of America, the largest multi-sport event in state history.

Apparently, they have not lost interest in going for medals again this summer in Colorado Springs during the newest multi-sport event in the city named "America's Fittest City" for 2008 by Men's Fitness Magazine.

Now, it's the inaugural 2008 State Games of the West, July 24-27 in Colorado Springs, and it offers state athletes the chance to compete in any of 31 sports against competitors from a dozen other Western states and take home gold, silver or bronze medals. Or just compete for the fun of it.

Entries are already in from 43 Colorado cities and towns--- Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Fruita, Elbert, Arvada, Highlands Ranch, Aurora, Cascade, Glenwood Springs, Broomfield, Longmont, Peyton, Monument, Fountain, Calhan, Pueblo, Erie, Florissant, Golden, Parker, Fort Collins, Commerce City, Loveland, Fort Lupton, Berthoud, Wellington, Bayfield, Centennial, Chipita Park, Cedaredge, Evergreen, Carr, Johnstown, Nathrop, Elizabeth, Superior, Leadville, Manitou Springs, Breckenridge, Lafayette, Westcliffe and Woodland Park.

Colorado athletes can register and get all the details by logging on the official site: www.stategamesofthewest.org, and that includes lodging and attractions to visit in the process.

The sports for the inaugural State Games of the West include: 5K Run/Walk, Archery, Badminton, Basketball, Billiards, BMX Racing, Bowling, Cycling, Diving, Field Hockey, Flag Football, Golf, Gymnastics, InLine Hockey, Judo, Karate, Powerlifting, Racquetball, Rock Climbing, Shooting, Soccer, Softball (Slow Pitch), Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Track & Field, Triathlon, Volleyball, Weightlifting and Wrestling. Figure skating has been eliminated from the original program because of conflicts with several major events in the region at the same time.

This event is open to all athletes from Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Every resident of Colorado is immediately eligible, as our military personnel serving in the state. Entries have been received from all but Hawaii and Washington.

The Games will also serve as a qualifier for the 2009 State Games of America, which will be held for the third time in Colorado Springs next summer. The city hosted the national event last summer and attracted a record turnout of 10,804 athletes, making it the largest multi-sport event in Colorado history.

The athletes will compete at 25 venues throughout the city, as well as one cycling event in Salida, including the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Olympic Complex, the Colorado Springs World Arena, Fort Carson, and Colorado College.

The colorful Opening Ceremony is set for July 24 at the Colorado Springs World Arena, and Olympic speedskating gold medalist Derek Parra will be one of two famous American champions who will be on hand to open the Games before an expected crowd of 10,000.

Parra has been selected by the host Colorado Springs Sports Corporation as its male Olympic athlete to light the flame during the Opening Ceremony at the Colorado Springs World Arena on the evening of July 24. A female Olympian will be named in the near future for the honor.

The skater was one of the great stories of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City. He won a gold medal in the 1500 meters and a silver medal in the 5000 meter event. His gold medal performance set a World record while his silver medal set an American record. Parra was also the first ever Mexican-American Olympic Winter Games Champion.

All participating athletes will receive free admission to the Opening Ceremony. Spectators can purchase Opening Ceremony tickets now at www.ticketswest.com
. Prices are $10 for adults, $5 for youth (18 & under) & seniors (55+).