Press Release - Thursday, June 23, 2005
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Quinn salutes Illinois athletes, volunteers at 22nd Prairie State Games
BENSENVILLE -- Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn joined six-time Olympic medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee and local elected officials today for the opening ceremonies of Illinois' largest amateur sports festival.
The 22nd Prairie State Games will run from June 23-26. Thousands of amateur athletes are in DuPage County to compete in 29 Olympic-styled sports events including track and field, gymnastics, swimming, figure skating, softball, archery, hockey, wrestling, soccer, judo, bowling and water polo.
"I salute the organizers of the Prairie State Games for their hard work and strong efforts to encourage teamwork, discipline and healthy living," Quinn said.
Governor Jim Thompson laid the groundwork for the inaugural Prairie State Games in 1983. It is a program of the Illinois Health and Sports Foundation. Two years ago, the games drew more than 19,000 athletes, participants and spectators from 94 different countries.
Ceremony highlights included performances by singer/songwriter Lee Greenwood, an F15 flyover by the Illinois National Guard and fireworks show. Prairie State Games Spokesperson Joyner-Kersee also carried a torch to light a cauldron with Quinn and local officials to signify the beginning of the Prairie State Games.
The Prairie State Games are open to all Illinois residents and students attending Illinois schools. For more information, visit www.PrairieStateGames.org.
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