Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been selected to host the 2020 USA Masters Games, a multisport, Olympic-style event for athletes 21 and over. The third edition of the event will be held at venues across the region in conjunction with the States Games of Michigan.
“We are delighted to partner with the West Michigan Sports Commission and the State Games of Michigan on the 2020 USA Masters Games,” said Hill Carrow, CEO of the USA Masters Games. “The sports commission has a successful track record of hosting multisport events, led by the annual State Games of Michigan. The organizational experience and excellent venues made the selection of Grand Rapids a natural fit for the USA Masters Games.”
The first USA Masters Games was staged in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 2016 during which more than 2,500 athletes from 10 countries and 45 states competed in 24 sports. The second edition took place in 2017 in San Diego where new sports such as archery, body-building, judo and powerlifting were introduced.
“We are excited to be selected as the host for the third USA Masters Games,” said Eric Engelbarts, executive director of the State Games of Michigan. “Last year we hosted the State Games of America and our community really rallied around those games. Our sport coordinators and volunteers did a great job on that event and we see the 2020 USA Masters Games as a strong next step in the world of multisport events for Grand Rapids.”
In addition to the competition, the USA Master Games will feature opening ceremonies, a Games village and other ancillary events.
“We intend to use the opportunity of the Games to showcase our city and region to the national and international competitors,” said Mike Guswiler, president of the West Michigan Sports Commission. “We want the participants to have fast times on the track and good times out on the town.”
The 2020 USA Masters Games will be held June 26–28.