MARQUETTE – Calling all athletes of all ages and abilities!
The Meijer State Games in Marquette is a multi-sport, Olympic-style event that welcomes athletes of all ages and abilities. The 2024 Games are scheduled for Feb. 9-11 (most events) and Feb. 17-18 (figure skating).
Organizers are thrilled to announce the addition of four exciting new sports to their winter sports lineup: archery, rifle, pickleball, and snow volleyball. These new additions promise to bring fresh excitement and increased participation to one of Michigan’s premier winter sports regions. The games would not be possible without enthusiastic volunteer sport operators and supportive venues, and there are a few new ones getting in on the action this year.
Rifle and archery, precision sports requiring focus and accuracy, add a competitive edge to the Winter Games. Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their marksmanship skills, creating a dynamic atmosphere that celebrates both athleticism and precision. Indoor Archery will be held at Straightline Archery in Ishpeming, operated by Shelly Saxwold and Randall Wellings. This is an amazing venue and Shelley and Randall could not be more excited about being part of the Games.
Simultaneously, the Negaunee Rod & Gun Club will host the .22LR Rifle competition. The NRGC is another fantastic facility and Brett French and the members of the club will host a great competition.
Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Its fast- paced nature and accessibility make it a perfect fit for participants of all ages and skill levels. Pickleball will take place at the Baraga Gym with plans to move it to a larger venue for 2025.
Snow volleyball, played on snow-covered courts, adds a new dimension to the games. Snow volleyball will join Bowling at the River Rock Lanes & Banquet Center in Ishpeming with Clay Sandberg being the host. Snow Volleyball consists of four-person teams (subs allowed) with games taking place in the parking lot of River Rock Lanes.
“We are excited to introduce these new winter sports,” said Julie Shields, Director of the Meijer State Games of Michigan. “These additions reflect our ongoing commitment to offer a diverse range of sporting opportunities and create an inclusive environment for athletes of all ages and skill levels. We look forward to seeing the energy and enthusiasm these new sports will bring to the Winter Games.”
In addition to these new sports, the games feature various winter ssports ncluding figure skating, skiing, snowboarding, sled hockey, bowling, wrestling, luge and curling.
This event would not be possible without the support of sponsors which include: Meijer State Games of Michigan – Winter Games of Meijer; Northern Michigan University; Eagle Mine; Peninsula Fiber Network; Travel Marquette; Staybridge Suites; Krist Oil; Great Lakes Sport Commission; SAIL Disability Network of the Upper Peninsula; and Special Olympics Michigan.
For more information visit StateGamesOfMichigan.com.
