Name any sport you can think of and chances are it is a part of this summer’s Virginia Commonwealth Games, a series of amateur athletic competitions open to the public.
Whether you’re interested in basketball, gymnastics, archery, racquetball – or any of the multitudes of activities offered – the Commonwealth Games are geared toward amateur participation, personal growth, and competition.
Amanda Mangum, the Games Director for Virginia Amateur Sports Inc. (VAS Inc.), says people can benefit greatly from participating in the Games. “The Virginia Commonwealth Games athletes are able to experience and be a part of something that gives them an opportunity to prosper and grow not only as an athlete, but also as a person,” she said. “They gain confidence, learn the importance of good sportsmanship, improve social skills by meeting and talking to new people, and it also opens the door for future opportunities.”
The benefits to the Games are not limited to the athletes participating in them. Pete Lampman, the president of VAS Inc, says that the Games benefit the community and several organizations as well. “The Games provide an opportunity for the city/region to showcase their community, bringing a new synergy and pride to the community,” he said. “Businesses and organizations have an opportunity to participate as a team, as a volunteer (or) as a spectator enjoying and watching the various sports that are offered.”
Lampman further described the ways the Games help the area, by stimulating businesses with increased traffic. “With an event that brings so many people to the area, the hotels and restaurants usually bring on additional staff that provides an increase in their staff’s salary,” he said.
This is the 27th year that the Commonwealth Games have taken place, with most of the events taking place in July – though some others are spread out over the whole summer. The main weekend is July 22-24, which features the “Opening Ceremonies” and the majority of the events. This year the weekend extravaganza will take place at Liberty University in Lynchburg–the nucleus location of the summer schedule.
Lampman especially likes the way the community comes together during this weekend. “The Games bring a new experience and feeling of community involvement,” he said. “[With the idea] that together we can make a positive difference in the lives of others.”
Mangum shares Lampman’s fondness for this focal weekend, seeing the people of the Commonwealth join together for this cause. She enjoys the unity of it all and appreciates the benefits for the athletes. “The most meaningful part of organizing the Games for me is seeing the product of what so many people have come together for the last year to produce for these athletes, finally unfold,” Mangum said. “Watching them compete, seeing the smiles while receiving their medals and hearing their cheers once it is all finished is an incredible feeling.”
To find out more information about the Commonwealth Games, or to find out how to volunteer for the Games, visit www.commonwealthgames.org.
Nathan Seidel
