Winter Games recap
By Searrah Herendeen
To celebrate participation and sportsmanship, the Meijer State Games of Michigan Winter Games will review what the winter games are, where they were hosted, and the highlights. They started in January and ended in March. 20 events were held at 22 venue locations, from the snowy slopes in Marquette to high school gyms in Grand Rapids. The Opening Ceremony was hosted at Marquette Mountain with live coverage. There were 2,700+ athletes of all ages and abilities in the Winter Games.
Have an idea for a blog article? Email Searrah Herendeen.
Marquette Main Weekend
The main event weekend in Marquette consisted of 10+ events. It started with curling, an Opening Ceremony, and a rail jam competition. It ended with cross-country skiing and wrestling.
The Marquette Michigan Curling club hosted the curling event. Pierre Ogea, a bagpipe player, welcomed athletes onto the ice with a performance captured by a local news station.
Ski and snowboard events consisted of slalom, giant slalom, boarder-cross, slopestyle, and the rail jam. The youngest athlete was 6 years old, and the oldest was 59 years old.
Cross-country skiing had a special guest appearance. John Kusku, a bronze and silver Paralympic medalist, participated in the 5K classic race.
The U.P. Sled Hockey Sled Cats partnered with the Meijer State Games of Michigan Winter Games and did an inter-team scrimmage to demonstrate the sled hockey sport.
Photo courtesy of MSGOM Staff
Photo Courtesy of Karsen Nielsen
Photo Courtesy of Karsen Nielsen
Marquette Opening Ceremony
The kick-off to the main weekend started with an Opening Ceremony. The official Meijer State Games of Michigan Winter Games television station, WZMQ TV-19, covered the event live and posted it on their YouTube channel for athletes to enjoy for years to come. Hosts were Sarah Blakely and Olympian Gary Morgan. The event took place at Marquette Mountain. At check-in, spectators received complimentary bags with gifts inside.
The athletes and their families lined up, buzzing with excitement for the Parade of Athletes. They held American Flags while showing off their victory screams as they ran through the Northern Michigan Wildcat head. John Kusku, a Paralympic medalist, led the crowd through a call and response of the oath of athletes. This oath made athletes promise to be loyal in competition and respect the regulations which govern them in the true spirit of sportsmanship.
Nick Baumgartner, a 2022 Olympic gold medalist in mixed team snowboard cross, spoke to the crowd about missing his goal in 2022, but the lessons he learned through that failure helped him win the gold medal. He congratulated and thanked the athletes for coming out and choosing to compete. Baumgartner then led the crowd in “Honoring Our Veterans,” sponsored by Krist Oil. This was a special moment in the ceremony to honor those that have served. Families surprised their loved ones by following Baumgartner as he presented Jim Provost with a commemorative challenge coin.
Jim Provost served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1965 to 1969. He is currently the vice chair of veteran’s affairs for Marquette County. He is also the chair for the Marquette County Veteran’s Alliance and played a role in bringing the American Veteran’s Traveling Tribute Vietnam Wall to Marquette. This veteran has been recognized for his continued dedication by being awarded the 2022 Marquette Veteran of the Year Award. In addition, Provost has spent time working as the commissioner of Marquette County youth football for 20 years as well as serving on boards for little league baseball and junior hockey.
The ski patrol carried the torch from the top of Marquette Mountain in a dazzling formation. At the end of their run, the final ski patrol officer sped down the hill and handed the torch to Nick Baumgartner. It is an amazing honor to hold the torch and light the cauldron. The opening ceremony closed with a stunning fireworks show.
Photo Courtesy of MSGOM Staff
Photo Courtesy of MSGOM Staff
Grand Rapids and lower peninsula
The weather was anything but consistent this winter. The warm weather brought out disc golfers and viewers to Earle Brewer Park. Karate had a full house of spectators and athletes taking over the entire Rockford Middle School Gym. Black belt sensei and white belt students participated in forms, weapons, and sparing. Judo held their first Winter Games competition at Kroc Division in Grand Rapids.
bowling, basketball, and badminton
Teams participated on Saturday, February 25th, during the basketball tournament. Boys and girls played at NorthPointe Christian and West Catholic High School. Sunday, they played again in the final tournament. Bowling at Spectrum Lanes in Wyoming, MI, took place on March 5th. Registration was overflowing with contestants. The other sports in the lower peninsula were archery, badminton, cross-country skiing darts, disc golf, fencing, ninja, sport stacking, swimming - postal, and shooting sports - pistol.
Photo Courtesy of MSGOM Staff
Photo Courtesy of MSGOM Staff
Photo Courtesy of Sport Stacking Tournament Director
Photo Courtesy of MSGOM Staff
Athlete of the Year
There were countless athletes that did an outstanding job in their event. The Meijer State Games of Michigan would like to recognize these athletes through nominations. If an athlete is awarded athlete of the year, they will then be nominated for the National Congress of State Games Athlete of the Year. Anyone that participates in the winter or summer games is eligible.
If you know an athlete that has worked hard and should be recognized, keep them in mind and nominate them after the Meijer State Games of Michigan Summer Games.
State Games of America
Athletes that received a gold, silver, or bronze medal in archery - indoor, basketball, disc golf, figure skating, judo, ninja, and wrestling are qualified for the State Games of America. All athletes that qualify must register to participate in these games. The State Games of America will be held July 17th-21st of 2024, in San Diego, California. This opportunity features 20+ sports and gives athletes a chance to meet others with a passion for sports from all around the country. An Opening Ceremony will be held at Snapdragon Stadium.
The Meijer State Games of Michigan is a multi-sport, Olympic-style event(s) that welcome athletes regardless of age or ability level. The Games embody the values of participation, sportsmanship and healthy living.
Thank you to the current sponsors of the Meijer State Games
of Michigan Winter Games!
