Opening Ceremonies We invite you to enjoy Opening Ceremonies—sponsored by AT&T—Friday, June 20 in downtown Meridian. All athletes will again participate and towns will be recognized during the parade of athletes. This year, the lighting of the State Games torch will signal a spectacular fireworks display lighting up downtown Meridian. This year’s Opening Ceremonies will also feature a “Downtown Get Down,” from 5 until 7 p.m., with entertainment and food for all, sponsored by The Alliance for Downtown Meridian and The Meridian Downtown Association.The kids will enjoy fun park-jumpers and everyone can enjoy tours of the MSU Riley Center. Click here for printable map and information for Opening Ceremonies.

Maps & Directions now available!
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What is the State Games of Mississippi?
State Games is a statewide sportsfest patterned after the Olympics for amateur athletes of all ages and abilities. The purpose of the State Games is to promote health and fitness through friendly, family-oriented athletic competition. The 2007 Games was able to recognize the dedication and achievements of nearly 5,000 amateur athletes as they competed for medals in 28 sports.

Who is eligible to compete?
Participants' age categories vary with each sport. All participants must be Mississippi residents for at least 30 days prior to the first day of competition in their sport. If they meet the requirements, Mississippi residents attending schools or serving in the military in another state are eligible. Non-Mississippi residents attending school or serving in the military in this state are also eligible.

How many sports may I enter?
Participants may enter as many sports as they choose. It is the participants' responsibility to coordinate competition times with commissioners and tournament directors.

What awards are given?
Olympic-style gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded to the top three places in each division/event within all sports.

Refund Policy
Refunds will be given only in the following circumstances:

1. Entry received after the deadline and the maximum number of teams or participants in your competition has been met;
2. Minimum number of teams or participants in your sport has not been met;
3. Entry received from a non-qualified participant.

Conduct
The State Games of Mississippi reserves the right to disqualify any coach or athlete from participating in the Games for failure to exhibit the qualities and behavior befitting a sportsman. A true sportsman takes loss or defeat without complaint, victory without gloating and treats his opponents with fairness, generosity and courtesy. Unsportsmanship includes, but is not limited to: false representation of age, residency or eligibility;destruction of property;disorderly conduct; fighting; improper use of alcohol and/or drugs; wearing clothing that reflects poorly on the Games. These rules of conduct will apply on and off the field. Athletes and coaches are responsible for knowing, understanding and following the rules, policies and codes of conduct for their sports.

Inclement Weather
The Opening Ceremonies and sports using outdoor sites are subject to the weather. Competitions will be conducted unless commissioners, facility managers and State Games of Mississippi officials determine the weather conditions to be potentially dangerous or life threatening, or if playing fields would incur damage. In these cases, events may be cancelled or postponed.

Important: No refunds will be given if events are cancelled due to weather or other acts of God.

Insurance
Insurance is the responsibility of each participant. In some instances, the National Governing Body (NGB), which sanctions an event, may have secondary coverage. In the event of an emergency, injury or illness, State Games of Mississippi will have medical aid available to assist the injured.

Please note: Preparation for competition, such as taping, will not be provided.