Later this summer, Liberty University’s campus will be on full display as 40,000 people are expected to head to Lynchburg for the State Games of America. The games will be held primarily in Liberty’s athletics facilities and will host 15,000 participants from 34 states.
In partnership with Virginia Amateur Sports, Liberty has hosted the Commonwealth Games for amateur athletes from Virginia for the past three summers. (Prior to that, the games were held in the Roanoke area.)
“The Commonwealth Games have always been an exciting time for these athletes and an energizing time for our community,” said Liberty President Jerry Falwell. “This summer, we are excited to not only host Virginia’s athletes, but also athletes from all across the country as they come to compete in the State Games of America.”
Events will take place from July 31 through Aug. 4.
The State Games is a biennial event that started in 1999 and is open to athletes across the country who have medaled in their respective state’s games in the previous two years. Member states cover all parts of the country and run from New Hampshire to Florida and to California and Oregon. Events include archery, basketball, bowling, chess, disc golf, equestrian, figure skating, shooting sports, and many more.
Liberty’s campus will turn into an Olympic Village, with many of the athletes housed in dorms. Campus amenities, including dining, will be open to athletes and their families.
Dan Duffy, past president of the National Congress of State Games’ board said, “The board is excited with the selection of Liberty University and looks forward to the athletes and families having the opportunity to see the wonderful, world-class Division I facilities and the enriching culture that Liberty University and the City of Lynchburg have to offer. The people at Liberty and the City of Lynchburg are ready and willing to do everything in their power to make these the best games possible.”
The City of Lynchburg expects the State Games to have an economic impact of about $10 million. Mayor Treney Tweedy shared her excitement: “Not only will the games provide Central Virginia with the opportunity to see and participate in world-class amateur sports, it will also be a boon to our local economy. It certainly would not have been possible without the collaboration of Liberty University, Virginia Amateur Sports, and the City of Lynchburg.”
