SAN DIEGO, CALIF. ­­ More than 10,000 athletes are travelling to San Diego today to vie for a state title at the 28th California State Games July 15­-17. After hosting the first State Games back in 1988, the non­profit organization and community based member of the United States Olympic Committee now offers more than 20 Olympic style summer sports.

Of the organization’s success over the past 20 or so years, California State Games Executive Director Sandi Hill said, “It is shaping up to be the best Games ever!. Our theme this year is the ‘Road Starts Here’, and we have a lot of kids competing that their dream is to go to the Olympic Games, and we’re here to start that dream and have fun, and treat them like Olympians while they’re in San Diego.”

The organization aims to provide an Olympic­style sporting event for California’s amateur athletes, and although it’s estimated that less than 0.5% of all athletes will ever qualify for the Summer Olympic Games, the Olympic experience is authentic at the California State Games. In order to provide that experience, California State Games does the following:

●  Athletes from all sports parade onto the field for the Opening Ceremonies held at Qualcomm Stadium: the same arena that houses the San Diego Chargers. Scheduled for Friday, July 15, at 6:30pm, athletes will enjoy entertainment, a key note speaker and a fireworks show.

●  The “Olympic Village” is held outside of Qualcomm Stadium during the Opening Ceremonies.

●  Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded to the top three finishers.

●  A special medal ceremony is held after each event for for the gold, silver and bronze medal recipients.

About California State Games: California State Games is a 501(c) 3 non­profit organization

based out of San Diego, Calif. The mission of the Games is to promote and nurture the health, education, and well­being of residents by managing a high quality amateur sports event that encourages community participation and provides an Olympic­style experience. California is one of 44 states that conduct similar types of statewide competitions.