WEST MICHIGAN SPORTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCED

2012 MEIJER STATE GAMES OF MICHIGAN DETAILS

Partnership with Michigan Fitness Foundation

 

Grand Rapids, Mich., January 24, 2012 – The West Michigan Sports Commission announced the winners of the 2011 Athlete of the Year awards, 2012 sports lineup, 2012 Opening Ceremonies venue and their new partnership with the Michigan Fitness Foundation.

 

As a way to motivate more Michiganders to be physically active, 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, and 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,” said Marilyn Lieber, President and CEO of the Michigan Fitness Foundation.

 

 “We’re building a healthier, more vibrant state and the Meijer State Games of Michigan is an important contributor to our goals,” said Governor 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.”

 

The Meijer State Games of Michigan (MSGoM) will be June 22-24, 2012 in the Greater Grand Rapids area. Opening Ceremonies will be held at East Kentwood High School (6230 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Kentwood, MI  49508) on Friday June 22, 2012.  A total of 30 sports will be offered for participants of all ages; with 5 sports added from the 25 offered in 2011.

 

2012 Sports Additions & Potential Venues:

 

• Cycling – Grand Valley State University - Allendale Campus

1 North Campus Dr., Allendale, MI

 

• Disc Golf – Brewer Park

84^th St. Byron Center, MI

 

• Dodgeball – Creston High School

1720 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505

 

• Shooting Sports – Rockford Sportsman’s Club

11115 Northland Drive, NE, Rockford, MI

 

• Water Polo – East Grand Rapids High School

2211 Lake Drive, SE, Grand Rapids, MI

 

Casey Hertgers, of the Grand Rapids Dogs of Disc and the MSGoM Disc Golf Tournament Director, stated, “Our goal is to continue to help disc golf grow especially among the youth here in Michigan. This game provides an outdoor experience that combines throwing a Frisbee at the basket while traversing different types of terrain either alone or in a group. This is an inexpensive and addicting sport that encourages lifelong physical fitness and appreciation of nature. There are hundreds of courses currently in Michigan and thousands nationwide allowing people to play anywhere. We look forward to providing an opportunity to continue growing the sport through the Meijer State Games of Michigan!

 

Chris Wessely, from the Grand Rapids Sport & Social Club and the MSGoM Dodgeball Tournament Director, stated, “We are super excited to bring the game of coed dodgeball to the 2012 Meijer State Games of Michigan and thrilled to team up with the West Michigan Sports Commission!  We have been running leagues & social events in Grand Rapids since 2009, targeting those who like sports, but love to socialize.  Today, dodgeball is hugely popular with people seriously devoted to the game, so expect to see players dressed in their knee-high socks and sweatbands as they show off their ‘average joe’ abilities in style.”  

 

Hank Meijer, CEO of Meijer Corporation, presented the Athlete of the Year awards to the 2011 winners.

 

2011 Athletes of the Year:

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

 

Coaches, parents, spectators as well as athletes had the chance throughout the games to submit their nomination of who they think deserved this award.

 

"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 offered 24 different sports, bringing over 4,000 athletes from 68 of the 83 Michigan counties to West Michigan. Over 1,000 athletes marched in the parade of athletes during the Opening Ceremonies and approximately 2,400 medals were awarded. The Meijer State Games of Michigan brought in an estimated $1,125,000 in direct spending impact to the Greater Grand Rapids area.

Established in 2007, the West Michigan Sports Commission has worked with more than 215 events that have brought over 230,000 people into the community and generated an economic impact of more than $70 million from visitor spending.

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About the West Michigan Sports Commission:

The mission of the West Michigan Sports Commission is to promote Michigan’s West Coast as the premier venue for hosting a diverse level of youth and amateur sporting events, enhancing the economy and quality of life in the region.

 

About the Meijer State Games of Michigan:

Modeled after the Olympics, the philosophy of the Meijer State Games of Michigan is that everyone participates regardless of age or ability; everyone is welcome and everyone plays.

 

About Michigan Fitness Foundation:

The Michigan Fitness Foundation fosters prosperity by empowering, facilitating and celebrating healthy choices. Their programs address behavior and environmental change to make healthy choices easier for all Michiganders.