The State Games of Mississippi, in cooperation with the City of Meridian and Visit Meridian, was named one of the 2024 Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by “Sports Destination Management,” the organization announced Wednesday.

 

This year’s winners are responsible for contributing a more-than-welcome boost of over $1.88 billion to the national economy over the past year.

 

This year’s games featured more than 5,200 athletes competing in more than 40 sporting events across 18 counties in the state during May, June and July. The majority of events took place in June, with 30 held in Meridian or Lauderdale County.

 

In addition to introducing two new venues, a new sport—Ultimate Flying Disc—was added in Ridgeland. Pickleball was relocated to Vicksburg, and Youth Baseball moved to the Brandon/Pearl area, where over 80 teams and 1,200 athletes participated.

 

Youth Soccer in Meridian continues to grow, drawing an estimated 2,500 athletes and their families to the opening ceremony weekend. The games are estimated to have generated over $12 million in economic impact for the Meridian/Lauderdale County region.

 

The State Games, along with other winners of the Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism award, were recognized in the November/December issue of “Sports Destination Management.”

 

About State Games of Mississippi

The State Games of Mississippi, a privately sponsored, non-profit organization, has been dedicated to promoting amateur athletics and a healthy lifestyle for Mississippians of all ages and abilities since 1992. From its beginnings with 1,200 athletes competing in 12 sports, the games have grown to become one of 37 states hosting State Games competitions annually. These games not only promote physical activity but also offer an Olympic-like experience. Competitors vie for gold, silver and bronze medals, emphasizing personal achievement, physical fitness and teamwork. Our athletes also have the opportunity to advance to the national level at the State Games of America and we are proudly affiliated with the U.S. Olympic Committee.

 

The State Games of Mississippi is able to keep entry fees affordable thanks to the generous support of its sponsors, including Founding Gold Sponsors: Meridian Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Ochsner Rush Health, as well as Gold Sponsors: BlueCross BlueShield of Mississippi, Paul & Sherry Broadhead Foundation, Meridian Community College, the City of Meridian, Pearl River Resort, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, WTOK-TV, The Meridian Star, and Coastal Television.

 

For more details about the Games, call 601-482-0205 or visit stategamesofms.org.