The 40th annual Show-Me State Games officially kicked off its first weekend of competitions in Columbia, Missouri, marking a significant milestone for the Olympic-style event.
Why it matters: The Show-Me State Games, a nonprofit program of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Health hosted by the University of Missouri, brings together participants from across the state to compete in various sporting events, fostering a sense of community and celebrating athleticism.
The details:
- The event, which runs from July 19-21 and continues next weekend from July 26-28, features a wide range of sports, including tennis, baseball, martial arts, and archery.
- Participants generally pay an entry fee of $30 to $40 and bring their own equipment.
- Volunteer shifts, typically lasting three hours, are crucial to the success of the event, with community involvement being a point of pride for the organizers.
Bruce Ungles, the assistant director of the Show-Me State Games, has been involved with the event for 35 years and has witnessed countless inspiring stories of athletes overcoming challenges.
Local success stories:
- Rachel Sappington of Ashland and her friend Kurt Fuemmeler of Fayette competed in the Bench and Power Lifting Events, both winning gold medals.
- Sappington lifted 145 lbs. at bench press and deadlifted 250 lbs., while Fuemmeler lifted 240 lbs. at bench press and deadlifted 365 lbs.
What’s next: The Show-Me State Games will continue next weekend, July 26-28, with more events and competitions taking place at various locations throughout Columbia, including parks, sports facilities, and local schools.
Full story
Rachel Sappington of Ashland and her friend Kurt Fuemmeler of Fayette competed in the Show-Me State Games’ Bench and Power Lifting Events on Saturday, July 20. Both contestants came away with gold medals for their impressive performances. Sappington lifted 145 lbs.
at bench press and deadlifted 250 lbs. Fuemmeler lifted 240 lbs. at bench press and deadlifted 365 lbs.
Their totals qualified them for gold medals in Power Lifting. The Show-Me State Games, a nonprofit program of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Health hosted by the University of Missouri, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
Local athletes shine at games
The games feature a wide range of sporting events for participants from across the state. Bruce Ungles, the assistant director of the Show-Me State Games, has been involved with the event for 35 years, starting as a student volunteer. He highlighted the importance of community involvement and the heartwarming stories of athletes overcoming challenges.
The games are being held at various locations throughout Columbia, including parks, sports facilities, and local schools. The opening ceremony took place on Friday night at Mizzou Arena, hosted by a sponsor’s Sports Director, Ben Arnet. Sappington and Fuemmeler’s success at the Show-Me State Games showcases the talent and dedication of local athletes.
You might see them training at the Southern Boone Area YMCA as they continue to pursue their passion for power lifting. The Show-Me State Games continue next weekend, from July 26-28, offering more opportunities for athletes to compete and for the community to come together in celebration of sports and fitness.
- ColumbiaMissourian.”Show-Me State Games officially underway”.
- Komu.”40th annual Show-Me State Games kicks off first weekend”.
- BoCoJo.”Local residents take gold at Show-Me State Games”.