MichiganRadio

Let The State Games Begin GRAND RAPIDS, MI (Michigan Radio) - The Grand Rapids area will host a series of Olympic-style amateur sporting events next year.

It'll be called the State Games of Michigan. Any Michigan resident can compete in one of 10 events. And there will be a medal ceremony.

Mike Guswiler is head of the West Michigan Sports Commission. He says the event won't just be for elite athletes.

"Personally, I'd encourage people to participate," he says. "I'd encourage my kids to participate. You know, I think that I'm an average household or average parent where I want my kids to be involved in activities and experience all that you gain from the competition of sports."

Guswiler says the State Games of Michigan could also add about half a million dollars to the west Michigan economy.

Forty other states have similar sporting events.

Visit the State Games of Michigan website for more information. © Copyright 2012, Michigan Radio