by For Immediate Release: February 28, 2012
An exciting week of athletic competition is coming to Oklahoma City in honor of one of Oklahoma’s greatest athletes. The Jim Thorpe Native American Games will take place June 10-17, 2012 at different venues throughout Oklahoma City including: ASA Softball Hall of Fame, Remington Park, Oklahoma City Tennis Center, Oklahoma City University, Lincoln Park Golf Course, Millwood High School, and Bishop McGuiness High School.
Athletes representing Indian nations, bands and tribes from across the United States will gather to share their talents in the spirit of the “World’s Greatest Athlete” and Native American Legend….Jim Thorpe. The Games will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Jim Thorpe’s record setting Olympic performance in Sweden.
Over 3,000 Native American athletes are expected to participate in 11 different sports throughout the week that will include basketball, softball, baseball, tennis, wrestling, track and field, cross country, golf, martial arts, stickball and beach volleyball. Entry forms for all sports can be downloaded from the Jim Thorpe Games website.
In addition to these 11 sports, a Jim Thorpe Native American All-Star Football Game will take place on Friday, June 15, 2012. This game will showcase Native American high school seniors from across Oklahoma. Remington Park will be the host site for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Native American Art exhibit, Health Fair, College and Career Fair and traditional cultural exhibitions throughout the week. Remington Park will also be the site of an NFL Punt, Pass and Kick competition and a 5K Run.
Proceeds from the Games will benefit the Jim Thorpe Bright Path Youth Programs that include Jim Thorpe All-Star Games, Children’s Challenge, Artfest and the statewide Red Ribbon Week. In addition, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the “Awakening the Spirit” Native American Diabetes Awareness and Prevention program of the American Diabetes Association.
Thousand of Native American athletes, primarily young people, will participate in the Jim Thorpe Native American Games; making it one of the largest events of its kind. In addition to the sporting events; cultural activities associated with the Games will include art show, traditional entertainment and sporting exhibitions.
“The Native American communities know the importance and value of supporting healthy lifestyle choices for their youth. Some of the many benefits of the Games will include promoting leadership development, increasing cultural awareness and most importantly – motivating young people to achieve great things,” said Annetta Abbott (Choctaw), Executive Director. “Our young people are not only the leaders of the future; they are the leaders of today.”
The Jim Thorpe Native American Games are proud to welcome as presenting sponsors Nike N7, Army National Guard and Muscogee (Creek) Nation. “Without the support of the corporate community and the tribes the Games would not be possible,” said Abbott.
For additional information on the Games call 1-855-JTGAMES or info@jimthorpegames.com or visit their website www.jimthorpegames.com .
