MEIJER STATE GAMES OF MICHIGAN WINTER GAMES OPENING CEREMONY DETAILS RELEASED
Live Television Coverage, Parade of Athletes, Torch Light Parade,
Lighting of the Cauldron, and a Fireworks Show!
Grand Rapids, Mich., Jan. 26, 2023 ─ The opening ceremony for the 2023 Meijer State Games of Michigan – Winter Games is just over two weeks away. The opening ceremony will take place at the Marquette Mountain Resort (4501 M-553, Marquette, MI 49855) on February 10th starting at 7:00 p.m. This event is free to the public.
Official television station of the Meijer State Games of Michigan, WZMQ TV-19, will be covering the opening ceremony. News Anchor Sarah Blakely and Olympian Gary Morgan will be hosting the coverage that will begin at 7:00 p.m. Eastern, and 6:00 p.m. Central.
Opening Ceremony schedule:
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Athlete Check-in
6:50 p.m.: Parade Line-up
7:00 p.m.: Opening Ceremony Begins
The opening ceremony will begin at 7:00 p.m. with the parade of athletes. Athletes, families, and the public will have a chance to be seen on television if they participate in the parade. Participation is free.
Directly following the parade of athletes there will be an introduction of dignitaries and Olympians. Scheduled to attend is Nick Baumgartner, a 2022 Olympic gold medalist in mixed team snowboard cross. Baumgartner will be available for photos and to sign autographs before the ceremony begins. John Kusku, a bronze, and silver Paralympic medalist is also scheduled to attend. The crowd will then take part in the athlete oath and hear words from sponsor representatives of Meijer and Northern Michigan University.
Krist Oil is sponsoring “Honoring Our Veterans” with free commemorative challenge coins. Veterans can register online prior to the opening ceremony and on-site at the event. A presenter is not necessary to receive a challenge coin. Individuals can register themselves. To register a veteran, or to learn more information, please visit: https://www.stategamesofmichigan.com/honoring-our-veterans
After presenting the challenge coins to veterans, the torch light parade starts and the “fire tornado” cauldron will be lit. The end of the ceremony will feature fireworks and closing comments. The rail jam competition will begin shortly after.
There are volunteer opportunities during the opening ceremony and throughout the Winter Games weekend. Peninsula Fiber Network is the sponsor of the Marquette Winter Games volunteers. Volunteers will receive a free Meijer State Games of Michigan giveaway and free meals (if working over a lunch period) during the Games. For more information please visit: https://www.stategamesofmichigan.com/winter-games-volunteer
Official Meijer Winter State Games merchandise is available for purchase. Long sleeves and hoodies offer comfort and flexibility. Sizes range from a Youth Small to 2X. To purchase merchandise visit: https://www.stategamesofmichigan.com/winter-games-merchandise
The Meijer Winter State Games sponsors include Meijer, Northern Michigan University, Eagle Mine, Peninsula Fiber Network, WZMQ 19, Travel Marquette, Holiday Inn, Krist Oil, Great Lakes Sport Commission, SAIL Disability Network of the Upper Peninsula, and Special Olympics Michigan.
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About the Michigan Sports Alliance:
The Michigan Sports Alliance (MISA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2016 to encourage Michigan residents of all ages and abilities to live active and healthy lives.
MISA is the operator of the Meijer State Games of Michigan - Winter and Summer Games. The multi-sport, Olympic style event welcomes athletes of all ages and abilities to compete. Each year 50+ sporting events take place and over 10,000 athletes compete in the Meijer State Games of Michigan. Like the Olympics, the State Games feature an Opening Ceremony for athletes. The Meijer State Games of Michigan is a member of the National Congress of State Games and is one of thirty State Games programs in the U.S.