San Diego is hosting a major event this week from August 4 through August 7. The 2011 State Games of America is a biennial Olympic-style event in North America for amateurs of all ages and skill levels. The series of sporting events are organized and managed by the California State Games, and they have invited 45 different states to participate in the competitions.

The 2011 State Games of America is property of the National Congress of State Games. It is a compilation of the 90 sports that are offered every year at State Games played throughout the country. Various sports are featured from the Olympic and Pan American Games programs. However, during the State Games of America (SGA), only 23 sports will be showcased all around San Diego.

SGA is locating itself on the West Coast for the first time. These games are held for past medal winners of State Games within each athlete’s region. All winners from 2009 or 2010 State Games are invited to come out and compete against winners from all over the nation.

What make these games even more exciting, are the participants involved. Garrett Lee, who is part of a 12-and-under basketball team, plays for more than a gold medal. Garrett is part of an all Native American/Navajo team from Gallup, N.M.. Six members of the team are not only close friends; they are cousins.

“Basketball is our way of overcoming the problems that plague the Navajo youth such as drug and alcohol abuse, suicide, gangs, obesity and diabetes,” Garrett said. “Basketball is opening the door to many positive opportunities.”

There is an abundance of sporting events taking place in the next few days. A few examples are: archery, bowling, skateboarding, swimming and wrestling. All of these sports, along with the rest, will be taking place at various San Diego locations, such as Qualcomm Stadium, Balboa Park, Mira Mesa Lanes, San Diego Ice Arena, Cathedral High School and many more.

The many locations and venues that will be occupied this week also include the Town and Country Hotel, which is where the Athlete Check-In will take place.

These athletes are very accomplished individuals that are sure to put on a show. Anna Divins, who is participating in high school division wrestling from Lancaster, Calif., is a three-time freestyle champion, CIF and state placer for high school and part of the national team in California.

The National Congress of State Games (NCSG) is teaching athletes of all ages how to interact with one another in a professional and friendly manner.

The mission of the NCSG is to support State Games member organizations in the promotion of health, fitness and character building through Olympic-Style competitions and physical activities.

Melissa Tambasco, the media consultant for California State Games, truly appreciates all of the athletes’ commitment and dedication to these sports.

“The 2011 State Games of America is proud to be hosting thousands of athletes in 23 sports all around San Diego County. These athletes have qualified in different states from all around the country,” Tambasco said. “We all know of the hard work and effort that these athletes have put into their sport and we are very excited to see them showcase their talent in front of thousands of spectators. Having a national event in our very own backyard is not only exciting, but it also makes us very proud to have all these dedicated athletes together, in one city!”

There are more than 12,000 athletes that compete every year in SGA to achieve a high ranking and represent their state to the best of their abilities.

In previous years, SGA was held in Colorado Springs, Colo., Hartford, Conn., and St. Louis, Mo. Although San Diego will be holding the 2011 State Games of America, it is said that plans are already made to hold them in Philadelphia, Penn. in 2013.

The athletes are getting a break from the heat waves across the country and a glimpse at what San Diego has to offer with an enticing 73 degrees as the average temperature for the next few days.

Open ceremonies will be taking place Friday, August 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Qualcomm Stadium. The cost of admission is $10 per spectator and parking is $5 per car. It is advised by SGA to purchase your tickets in advance to avoid the lines. Tickets are available to pick up Friday after 4:30 p.m. from the Athlete Check-In, Open Ceremonies Will Call or Ticket Booth F.

For more information, go to the State Games website.