Amateur athletes throughout the state are getting ready as the State Games of Mississippi for 2025 will feature more than 40 sports, including fierce competition in baseball and a new event, chess. Registration is now open for Mississippi’s best to compete for the gold.

“We are excited about how our sports for amateur athletes are filling up,” said Executive Director Missye Dozier. “And even more exciting, our Opening Ceremony will take place in downtown Meridian June 6.”

The State Games of Mississippi is particularly noted for its All-Star Baseball competition, which begins with tryouts in all eight districts in the state. When teams converge on Meridian June 9-13 for the finals, scouts from major schools will be on hand, looking carefully for the next generation of top players.

Tryouts for All-Star Baseball are June 3 and 4 — and are set by districts. Districts 5, 6, 7 and 8 will tryout on June 3. Districts 1, 2, 3 and 4 will tryout on June 4. For complete details and locations, visit www.stategamesofms.org.

The ever-popular youth soccer competition, sponsored by Ochsner Rush Health Systems, will bring top teams from across the state to Meridian June 7 and 8. Teams from U8 to U17/18/19 will vie for gold medals.

But it’s not all about big team sports. The games this year will bring pickleball enthusiasts to the net, cornhole experts armed with bean bags and ultimate flying disc competitors doing their best to score points. Even equestrians can

enter as the games features both barrel racing and pole bending competitions. With more than 40 sports, there is something for every amateur athlete to enter.

Competition can be mental, as well as physical, and for 2025, State Games is offering a chess competition for the first time. Hosted by the Mississippi Scholastic Chess Association, matches will be held at Meridian Community College Saturday, June 21.

As with many of the State Games events, different venues are used throughout the state. Sites this year include Meridian, Ridgeland, Brandon and Pearl,

Vicksburg, Hattiesburg, Biloxi, Oxford, Morton and Choctaw.

“Plus, we are able to keep our entry fees low, thanks to our sponsors,” said Director of Marketing and Development Amanda Bratu.

Athletes can enter the State Games of Mississippi by visiting www.stategamesofms.org, and signing up for the sport they plan to compete in. After that, all that’s left is to get ready to go for the gold.

About State Games of Mississippi

The State Games of Mississippi, now in its 34th year, is a privately sponsored, non-profit organization, dedicated to promoting amateur athletics and a healthy lifestyle for Mississippians of all ages and abilities since 1992. From humble beginnings with 1,200 athletes competing in 12 sports, the Games have grown to host more than 5,000 amateur athletes in 40+ sports yearly, becoming one of 37 states holding State Games competitions annually.

The Games not only promote physical activity but offer an Olympic-like experience. Competitors vie for gold, silver and bronze medals, emphasizing personal achievement, physical fitness and teamwork. State Games of Mississippi 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, Digio Strategies and Coastal Television.

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