USG is a charter member of the National Congress of State Games (NCSG).

The National Congress of State Games (NCSG) is a national membership organization comprised of the individual State Games across the country. The NCSG is a community-based member of the United States Olympic Committee and rights holder of the State Games of America. The State Games of America is the premier national Olympic-style sports festival held every other year. Medal winners from State Games earn the right to compete against other medal winners and match their skills and competitive desire in a national arena. The 2008 State Games of America were held July 24-27, 2008 in Colorado Spring, Colorado.  The State Games of America for 2009 will be held in Colorado Springs, CO (subject to change). http://www.utahsummergames.org/about.html

The 24th annual Utah Summer Games (USG) began Thursday at the Southern Utah University J.L. Sorenson physical education building.

As normal to the first day there was a lot of staging banners, booths, back packing, and behind the scenes stuff for the invasion of athletic competitors and fans from all over the West during the next couple of weeks.

This the 24th year of the USG it is just one year away from his 25th anniversary.

Why has it been so successful many ask? The main reason is that the USG has been and always focuses on diversity of amateur athletics and competition.

One great example of the diversity of sports at the USG is pickle ball. It would not be considered one of the most fan grabbing headlines tagged in amateur sports. You can see it being played in neighborhoods all around America.

The women’s pickle ball is just one highlighted today during our summer sun fest.

Just a quick note for those who don’t know the history of pickle ball. Pickle ball is played and coordinated for the 40 to 60 age group.

Pickle ball is a crossover of badminton, racquetball and tennis and is increasing at a very fast pace.

The biggest reason why this sport is expanding at such a fast pace, is that it is played in a relative smaller court about half the size of a singles tennis court. This allows many people the opportunity to get around the court at many different age groups and with many different injuries.

The medal rounds moved indoors to the Sorenson Center where Karen Marchant dominated the women’s singles bracket. Karen, the Canyon view tennis coach used her experience to coaster way to a gold medal.

She defeated Diane Shackling in consecutive matches although the Santa Clara resident did make it easy for Marchant.

This completes the women’s medal rounds with the men playing on Friday.

If you have never watch pickle ball, make it one of your options when watching the Utah Summer games.

I always like to close with something about why amateur sports is on an extremely fast paced growth level.

The USG gives a great showing for amateur sports.

With the likes of such venues you will soon see our sunny southwestern Utah and southeastern Nevada areas as one of the most dominant amateur athletic areas in America.

Check out video from 2007 to get pumped up!

2007 Utah Summer Games 2007 Utah Summer Games Opening Ceremonies Fireworks, This video was posted by swmania

Access: http://www.utahsummergames.org/sports/equestrian-show.html

Show Secretary: Jolynn Carpenter – All Breed Amateur Show
Phone: (435) 463-7501

Show Management:
Color Country Equestrian Club
Color Country Equestrian Club is a non-profit organization that was founded in October of 2001 to promote and encourage positive horsemanship (across all disciplines) in the Color Country region. We have members from numerous states that include Utah, Nevada, and Arizona and even as far as California and Colorado.

Specifically, the club seeks to promote Open Horseshows, Clinics, Schooling Shows, and other educational programs in Color Country. The CCEC acts as a community sports organization that encourages, organizes, and promotes equestrian sport competitions open to all breeds.

Fee:
Registration Fee $25.00
All Open Breed Classes $8.00
$20 per night stall rent, $10/bag of shavings (if applicable) – payable to Cross Hollows Event Center
*Stall management not responsible for injury to animals. Use paneled stalls at own risk.

How to Register: Register online. If you are mailing in your registration form, send it to Utah Summer Games Registration, 351 West University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720.

Registration Deadline: Registration must be completed by Friday, June 5, 2009. NO POST ENTRIES

Venue:
Cross Hollows Events Center
11 N Cross Hollow Drive, Cedar City
*Dates, times and locations are subject to change. Check website or with coordinator for updated information.

Rules: Color Country Equestrian Club, USEF, and AQHA rules in effect.  Open riders may ride in the Open Rider’s Show run by CCEC.   Go to colorcountryequestrian.com for entry forms.

Awards: USG Medals will be presented to 1st, 2nd & 3rd place in all classes.  Ribbons will be awarded for 4th, 5th, and 6th place finishers.

Schedule:
Friday, June 12
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Check-in at Cross Hollows Events Center
11 N Cross Hollow Drive, Cedar City

Saturday, June 13
7:00 AM – 11:00 AM Check-in at Cross Hollows Events Center
8:00 AM – All Breed Horse Show English & Western

Saturday 1 Showmanship – Youth 12 & Under
Saturday 2 Showmanship – Youth 13-17
Saturday 3 Showmanship – Amateur
Saturday 5 Halter – Stallions
Saturday 6 Halter – Geldings
Saturday 7 Halter – Mares
Saturday 8 Halter – Yearlings
Saturday 9 Halter – Weanlings
Saturday 10 English Equitation – Amateur
Saturday 11 English Equitation – Youth 13-17
Saturday 12 English Equitation – Youth 12 & Under
Saturday 13 English Equitation – Beginning Rider (walk/trot only) – 1st year rider
Saturday 14 English Pleasure – Green Horse – Horses in 1st year of showing
Saturday 15 English Pleasure – Amateur
Saturday 16 English Pleasure – Youth 13-17
Saturday 17 English Pleasure – Youth 12 & Under
Saturday 18 English Pleasure – Beginning Rider (walk/trot only) – 1st year rider
Saturday 19 Equitation Over Fences – Walk/Trot Poles – Beginning Riders
Saturday 20 Equitation Over Fences – Crossbar – Open
Saturday 21 Hunter Hack (2′ – 2’3″)
Saturday 22 Equitation Over Fences – Youth 18 & Under (2’3″ – 2’6″)
Saturday 23 Equitation Over Fences – Amateur (2’3″ – 2’6″)
Saturday 24 Equitation Over Fences – Youth 18 & Under (2’6″ – 2’9″)
Saturday 25 Equitation Over Fences – Amateur (2’6″ – 2’9″)
Saturday 26 Equitation Over Fences – Youth 18 & Under (2’9″ – 3’0″)
Saturday 27 Equitation Over Fences – Amateur (2’9″ – 3’0″)
Saturday 28 Open Hunters (2’3″ – 3’6″)
Saturday 29 Discipline On The Rail (English/Western) – Open to all Amateur & Youth Riders
Saturday 30 Lead Line – 6 & Under – English & Western
Saturday 31 Western Equitation – Amateur
Saturday 32 Western Equitation – Youth 13-17
Saturday 33 Western Equitation – Youth 12 & Under
Saturday 34 Western Equitation – Beginning Rider (walk/trot only) – 1st year rider
Saturday 35 Western Pleasure – Green Horse – Horses in 1st year of showing
Saturday 36 Western Pleasure – Amateur
Saturday 37 Western Pleasure – Youth 13-17
Saturday 38 Western Pleasure – Youth 12 & Under
Saturday 39 Western Pleasure – Beginning Rider (walk/trot only) 1st year of showing
Saturday 40 Trail in Hand – 1st year green trail horse – May not show under saddle in any other trail class
Saturday 41 Trail – Youth 12 & Under – English and Western
Saturday 42 Trail – Youth 13-17 – English and Western
Saturday 43 Trail – Amateur – English and Western

Eligibility: A participant must be a resident of Utah or a resident of a neighboring state (Idaho, Nevada, or Wyoming) that does not currently hold an officially recognized State Games event.

Confirmation: Internet Registrations will immediately receive a confirmation e-mail. Mailed or delivered registrations can check at registration area before event.

Check-In: Event Venue; Cross Hollows Events Center, Cedar City

Refund Policy: Due to competition scheduling difficulties and USG planning and supplies requirements there are no refunds. If an event cannot be held due to inclement weather a voucher may be issued to be used for another sport during the 2009 or the same sport during the 2010 Utah Summer Games. Requests must be in writing by email to USG@suu.edu.