JACKSON, TN – December 7, 2023 – The newly established State Games of Tennessee, an amateur Olympic-style multi-sport event, is set to debut in Jackson, TN, in June 2025. The event is modeled after the Olympic Games and is designed solely for the residents of the state. It is part of a nationwide network of state games under the National Congress of State Games, which is affiliated with the U.S. Olympic Committee.
The State Games movement began with the Empire State Games in 1978 and has since expanded to include 30 Summer State Games and 10 Winter State Games across the country. With over 265,000 athletes, 30,000 volunteers, and countless spectators annually, these games serve as a motivational platform for amateur athletes in their respective states.
Eligibility for the State Games of Tennessee extends to residents who have been in the state for at least 30 days, students registered in Tennessee colleges and universities and military personnel stationed in Tennessee.
The inaugural State Games of Tennessee, scheduled for the first and second weekends of June 2025, will feature up to 15 sports, including softball, baseball, basketball, soccer, pickleball, disc golf, wedge golf, cross country, trail run and tennis.
Gold, silver, and bronze medals will be awarded to the top three athletes or teams in each division across all sports. Furthermore, medalists in the State Games will have the opportunity to compete in the prestigious State Games of America, a national Olympic-style event held every two years.
The State Games of Tennessee promises to be a landmark event, capturing the spirit of sportsmanship, competition and community engagement. As the countdown begins, anticipation is building for this extraordinary celebration of athleticism and camaraderie in the heart of Jackson, TN.
QUOTES
“Our existing infrastructure at the West Tennessee Healthcare Sportsplex, Jackson Rockabillys stadium, along with our parks, schools and universities, lays a strong foundation. The State Games will serve as a strategic catalyst, enabling us to methodically enhance our parks with upgrades, accommodating the continual expansion of games each year.” – Jackson Mayor Scott Conger
“In Jackson and Madison County, the rapid pace of growing industry, business, and residents are propelling us forward with remarkable momentum. The State Games of Tennessee serves as yet another testament to the exceptional and forward-thinking developments unfolding in our community, showcasing the great things happening right here in Madison County.” – Madison County Mayor AJ Massey
Jackson, Tennessee, is a city with a rich sporting tradition through local high school, university, league and travel sports. We have a proven track record of hosting successful sporting events, and we are eager to demonstrate our hospitality and our passion for sports to the people of Tennessee on a larger scale. – Visit Jackson CEO Lori Nunnery
“This is an exciting opportunity for Jackson-Madison County and all Tennesseans. The State Games of Tennessee will not only showcase the incredible athletic talent in our state but will also be a community event that brings people together.” – Todd Swims, Greater Jackson Chamber Board Chairman
“State Games events annually provide opportunities for over 200,000 participants of all ages and abilities to compete in Olympic-style, amateur sports festivals in a wide variety of sports. Nearly thirty individual states conduct games across the country and these athletes can qualify for the State Games of America, the national championship event for state games. We welcome Tennessee to the state games family and support their efforts to provide residents of the Volunteer state with the opportunity to showcase their amateur athletic talents at the state and national level.” – Kevin Cummings, President of the National Congress of State Games
About the National Congress of State Games:
The National Congress of State Games (NCSG) is a membership organization comprised of 30 Summer State Games and 10 Winter State Games organizations and a member of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s Afflilate Organizations Council. The mission of the NCSG is to support State Games member organizations in the promotion of health, fitness and character building through multi-sport competitions and physical activities. The NCSG was created in 1986, to serve as the official association of the State Games Organizations.
About the Greater Jackson Chamber:
The Greater Jackson Chamber was founded in 1905 – seven years prior to the United States Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber consists of a diverse and talented staff, an executive committee, dedicated volunteers, and more than 1,000 business members – all committed to growing the economy and quality of life for everyone in Madison County and the region. For more information, visit jacksontn.com.
About Visit Jackson:
Jackson – Madison County, Tennessee Convention and Visitors Bureau seeks to positively impact the local economy by increasing travel related spending in the county, provide quality services to the visitor and the local hospitality industry and assist in the development, preservation and expansion of the county, region and state tourism product. Visit Jackson, TN to connect with what is happening in Jackson and West Tennessee. Connect socially onFacebook, Instagramand Twitter
National Congress of State Games Contact
Kevin Cummings
President
State Games of Tennessee/Greater Jackson Chamber Contact
Lindsay Dawkins
731.422.9154