Introduction

Established in 1989 by the State of Georgia to satisfy prerequisites for Atlanta’s 1996 Centennial Olympics, the Georgia State Games has evolved into one of the largest grassroots sports, fitness, and health organizations in the U.S. The Georgia Games belong to the National Congress of State Games, a national membership association.

State Games programs exist in 40 states and involve a total of 500,000 participants, 1.2 million spectators and 100,000 volunteers each year. State Games competitions are held in over 536 communities with participants coming from over 6,000 cities and towns.

The Georgia State Games’ aims to promote, develop, educate, and encourage sports, physical fitness, and health for all Georgians.

Operating hundreds of programs in the metropolitan area and across the state each year, the Games’ welcomes audiences that range from

Olympic hopefuls to recreational consumers.

Participants span wide demographic variables and range in age from one to 97. The Games’ primary target market is Georgia’s entire population. Its greatest marketplace success lies in the world of amateur athletics. As the undisputed leader in the marketing and operation of amateur sporting events in Georgia, the Games reach 85% of all Georgia counties and major households in key metropolitan markets.

Top sponsors such as Coca-Cola and IBM partner with the Games and take advantage of its influence with grassroots athletic and health communities. These corporate sponsors reap the benefits of partnering with the Games. Increased brand awareness and an increased bottom line are achieved, while simultaneously giving back to the community.

Client-partners also benefit from the Games’ ingenuity in event development and delivery, strategic marketing, networking, and other services. Among these partners are the Georgia Recreation and Park Association, the Boys & Girls Clubs, Salvation Army, Atlanta City Parks & Recreation, and each of the national and state sport governing bodies. Benefactors gain a powerful partner in the Georgia State Games. New markets open up by sponsoring the Georgia State Games.