Every year, sports
enthusiasts across the state have the opportunity to showcase their athleticism
in the Louisiana Governor’s Games. The 2020 Governor’s Games get underway this
weekend with the New
Orleans Blastoff, a girls’ volleyball competition Saturday, January 18 and
Sunday, January 19.
The Blastoff features
4,000 participants from 266 teams competing in two venues: the Ernest N. Morial
Convention Center, Halls C and D, 900 Convention Center Blvd. and The Health
Club by Hilton at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, 2 Poydras St. Admission is
$10 for adults and $1 for ages 12 and younger. Saturday action begins at 8 a.m.
for 12s, 16s, 17s and 18s, and at 2:30 p.m. for 10s, 13s, 14s and 15s.
If you can’t make it to
the Blastoff, you’ll have another 35 chances to see Louisianans of all ages,
skill levels and economic demographics participate in fitness competitions during
the Governor’s Games. Over the next six months, competitions including
basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, boxing, tennis, golf, track and field,
girls’ softball, youth baseball and more will be held in cities all around
Louisiana.
Uniquely Louisiana
The Louisiana Governor’s Games
began in 1997, replacing the previous Louisiana State Games and expanding to
offer more sports. They are coordinated by Durand “Rudy” Macklin, director of
the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, former NBA player and
one of four LSU men’s basketball players to have his jersey retired by the
school.
In true Louisiana
fashion, the Governor’s Games are one of a kind. Other states hold their state
games in one location at one time every year. But, in Louisiana, the Governor’s
Games are spread out all around the state over half the year.
Why has Louisiana chosen
such a unique approach? When the games are held in a single location, as other
states do, the economic impact stays in that single location. However, by
scheduling different events around the state, like Louisiana does, the economic
impact spreads to areas that can then benefit from the money athletes, coaches
and fans will spend at local businesses like hotels, restaurants and service
stations.
It’s also a way for
people living in underserved areas to receive exposure to sports they may not
otherwise have the opportunity to participate in, to develop an interest in a
new sport or even just get inspired to get moving. That spark of inspiration
may inspire a sedentary person to take up daily walking, or a spectator at a
bodybuilding competition to start building muscle.
Fitness is a key step in
lowering the obesity rates
in our state. Louisiana consistently ranks among the top 10 states with the
highest obesity rates for both adults and children, and nearly one of out of four
adult Louisianans is considered obese. Physical activity doesn’t just affect
obesity, though: it can cut down on the risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes
and certain cancers, as well as other health benefits.
What’s next?
Dates and locations for other competitions will be posted online
at the Louisiana Governor’s Games website.
Competitions scheduled so far include:
- Gymnastics
- Boys State Championships: March 13-15 at Acadia Gymnastics, Lafayette
- Girls State Championships: Lower Level, March 20-22 at Louisiana Tech Intramural Center, Ruston and Upper Level, March 27-29 at Alario Center, Westwego
- Elementary State Championship Fitness Meet: April 25 at Alexandria Senior High School, Alexandria
- Youth Golf: June 6-7 at Le Triomphe Community Center, Broussard
If you’re interested in competing in the Louisiana State
Games, registration is open now. Sign-up for adults is available through local
recreation departments and sports leagues, or advertisements and public service
announcements made through media partners. For children, sign-up is available
through local schools and physical education teachers.
If you’re not interested in competing, consider attending
and cheering on our amateur athletes as they share in the spirit of
competition. See you at the Governor’s Games!
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