WOBURN, Mass –2022 marks the 40th anniversary of the Bay State Games, Massachusetts' own Olympic-style amateur sports festival which has impacted nearly a quarter of a million athletes of all ages and abilities since its inception in 1982. While the grassroot amateur athlete is the focus of the Bay State Games, past participants have included collegiate stars, professional athletes, and Olympic gold medalists.
“The staff takes pride that the Games have continued to thrive and provide opportunities for participants in dozens of sports for over four decades” said Kevin Cummings who has been with the Games since 1984 and served as its director since 1999. “Despite challenges along the way, the support we have received from athletes, coaches, officials, sport organizers, and facilities from all regions of the state has been the key to our longevity and success. Throughout the upcoming year, we look forward to remembering the history, highlights, and people that have defined Bay State Games since its inception.”
The 40th anniversary will be celebrated on the Bay State Games website and social media channels with a look back on the history, highlights and famous alumni who have been part of the program. An anniversary logo will be featured throughout the year and be included on a new line of commemorative merchandise.
While the pandemic lead to the cancellation of all summer events in 2020 and a reduction of events in 2021, plans are moving forward for 2022 to host a full list of thirty sports. These will be held throughout June and July at two dozen venues in eastern and central Massachusetts. New additions for 2022 include the addition of IJS events in figure skating, a female division in wrestling, a high school division in pickleball, and the addition of a new sport, competitive fitness.
Bay State Games will continue to utilize quality venues across the state including Monan Park at Boston College High School, Veterans Field Complex in Waltham, New England Sports Center in Marlborough, and Union Point Sports Complex in Weymouth. New venues in 2022 will include Boston Sports Institute in Wellesley and the Game On in Fitchburg.
Sport registration will open on a rolling basis in March. For more information on all sports in the 2022 Summer Games and links to online registration, go to www.baystategames.org. For questions, email info@baystategames.org or call 781-932-6555.