BIRMINGHAM- Forty years ago, with doubts among many across Alabama, the first Alabama State Games were held with four events and slightly more than 600 participants. Now, four decades later, the 40^th anniversary of the multi-sport, Olympic style athletic event will feature 28 different sports with more than 3,000 athletes partaking in the three-day activity in Birmingham and Jefferson County June 9-11.

After being held in the Dothan area in 2022, “We are thrilled to once again welcome the Alabama State Games and celebrate its dynamic athletes of all ages and abilities,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. “Birmingham is known regionally, nationally and internationally for hosting exceptional sporting events. The games’ presence will not only have an economic impact but also be another feather in the cap of special events to come to our city.”

The Opening Ceremony of the 40^th Games kicks off June 9 at 7:00 p.m. inside UAB’s Bartow Arena and is free to the public. The ceremony will be televised live to a statewide audience on the Alabama State Games Television Network and games begin June 10 with events held at different venues across Birmingham and Jefferson County.

As part of the 40^th anniversary, the ASF Foundation is awarding a record number of 17 scholarships for $20,000. The Games through partnerships like State Farm Athlete Leadership Summit rewarding academics, the Student Ambassador Program and URKeys2Drv programs have awarded over $335,000 in scholarships since the first Games were held. Participants of all ages are eligible for the drawing with the only requirement of register to participate in the Games and attend the Opening Ceremony.

“There are thousands of young people in households throughout Alabama who have not had the opportunity to experience the excitement, the challenges and the values learned from competitive sports,” said Ron Creel, founder of the ASF Foundation and the Alabama State Games. “We have only begun to realize our full potential and impact. It is becoming clear that the future of the Alabama State Games is more far reaching then any one of us could dare to dream.”

This is about more than a gold medal and a place on the podium. Creel and his staff and the people involved with making the Alabama State Games run from year to year, have the opportunity to be shining examples of leadership within a community, academic excellence and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

The 2023 Alabama State Games will feature a mixture of new and familiar events: archery, baton twirling, bowling, baseball, baseball 13U, basketball, chess, disc golf, diving, Esports, equestrian, flag football, gymnastics, judo, Miracle League, ninja challenge, pickleball, racquetball, soccer, shooting sports, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, track & field, ultimate frisbee, volleyball and wrestling.

The Alabama State Games is part of the nationwide network of state games with a national organization called the National Congress of State Games (NCSG). 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.

Registration for the Games is underway with participants of all ages and locations across Alabama expected to enter. Visit www.alagames.com to register and receive event details.