The Meijer State Games of Michigan will be held February 14-16, 2014 at various venues throughout West Michigan. Due to the overwhelming popularity of Meijer State Games over the past two years, on Sunday February 16, the Meijer games will be hosting a novice and open division tournament at Grand Rapids Community College Field House. Opening Ceremonies for all participants will be held Friday, February 14, 2014 at Cannonsburg Ski Area.
The tournament will be run by the state’s largest wrestling organization, which is MYWA (Michigan Youth Wrestling Association). The association has approximately over 10,000 active youth wrestlers.
“The Meijer State Games wrestling tournament is open to Michigan residents (some out of state athletes may qualify to compete),” said Eric Engelbarts II. “The tournament will act as a qualifier for the State Games of America to be held in Lincoln, NE in 2015.”
Engelbarts II, who is the games executive director said, “The Meijer State Games of Michigan is a multi-sport Olympic-style event. When our athletes attend our Opening Ceremonies and compete for gold, silver and bronze medals, they feel as if they are following an Olympic dream. We have something that no other tournament in our state can replicate.”
The previous Meijer State game wrestling events have drawn upwards to 700 participants per event. The February 16th event at Grand Rapids CC has already bulked up with competitors as far away from Texas and Michigan’s bordering neighbor states.
When asked why a winter tournament, Engelbarts II had this to say.
“We are now 1 of 10 states that run a Winter Games. After doing our research, we determined that Michigan is a perfect fit for winter competition. In this first year, we anticipate running 13 sports with over 1,500 attending.”
The entry cost is only $20 for each participant, while spectator admission is a very modest, $5 & $2, for adults and children. The entry fee will be $25 for all non-MYWA wrestlers to compete in the tournament.
Tournament director, Steve Gross, is no stranger to Michigan wrestling events, as he is a lifelong state official, coach, and parent of the sport. “Bringing the games to Grand Rapids CC in February while the Olympics are underway and post-season wrestling tournaments are starting continues that buzz of wrestling and competition that is in the air,” he said. “With the level of dedication that Michigan wrestlers and parents show to the sport, we anticipate a great showing for the February 16 event.”
There will be satellite weigh-ins for the tournament around the State of Michigan and will be released at the MYWA website. No day of tournament weigh-ins will be offered. This is to ensure the tournament starting as planned and making the format run smoothly from the start. Wrestlers will receive awards for 1st to 4th place.
Full more information and complete Meijer State Games of Michigan information, you may follow this link.
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