The Coventry Commonwealth Games of Virginia are rapidly approaching. The Games are an Olympic-style amateur sports festival for both male and female athletes of all ages and ability levels. The premise of the celebration is to provide an avenue for positive personal development through sports, recognize dedication and achievement, and promote healthful living while nurturing the camaraderie of competition.
Virginia Amateur Sports, Inc., a non-profit corporation located in Roanoke, produces the Games. Virginia’s Games have grown from 4,465 participants in 29 sports in 1990, to nearly 9,000 athletes engaging in 52 sports in 2007. There are 58 events represented in this year’s games offering every make and manner of sport, from autocross to wake boarding. True to form, top quality “gold,” “silver,” and “bronze” medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each event. In team competition, a medal will be awarded to each member of the official roster.
Following the Olympic tradition, the events commence with Opening Ceremonies in Roanoke Friday night, July 18, at the Roanoke Civic Center. This year, ceremonies will feature the Parade of Athletes, fireworks, and, to celebrate its 20th anniversary, a concert featuring American Idol finalist, Elliott Yamin. This year’s featured speaker is Olympic Gold Medalist Soccer Player, Tiffany Roberts—a member of America’s first-ever gold medal winning team from the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.
Visit www.commonwealthgames.org for more information.
