Alabama State Games now part of America 250 celebration
MONTGOMERY – The 43rd Alabama State Games, scheduled for June 12-14, has been named an America 250 Alabama certified event. Hosted by the City of Birmingham and Jefferson County, the weekend of competition will be highlighted by a patriotic Opening Ceremony on June 12 inside Legacy Arena at the BJCC.
Established in 1982 at the request of the U.S. Olympic Committee, the Alabama State Games held their first competition in 1983 with four sports and 600 athletes. Today, the annual event features more than 25 sports and welcomes upward of 4,000 athletes from across the state and beyond. Each year, generations of competitors come together to pursue gold, silver and bronze, and to celebrate the unity that is created when sport meets community. The Olympic-style, multi-sport event is open to all Alabama residents and out-of-state competitors of all ages and abilities. The Alabama State Games were designed to inspire personal achievement and community unity through the power of sports. From archery to wrestling, the Alabama State Games is governed by the ASF Foundation and supports education through its scholarship program and this year will be awarding 17 scholarships totaling $42,500. Registered athletes who attend both the Grit101 for Teens, the Athlete Leadership Summit and the Games’ Opening Ceremony on June 12 will be eligible for the scholarship drawings. To date, the ASF Foundation has awarded 661 scholarships totaling over $450,000.
Registration for the sports in the 43rd Alabama State Games goes live March 1 at ALAGAMES.com “The Alabama State Games is excited to be an America 250 Alabama certified event,” said Laura Creel Burt, executive director of the Alabama State Games and CEO of the ASF Foundation. “Our Opening Ceremonies are always patriotic. Patriotism is a huge part of the Olympics as Olympians are honored to represent their country when they compete. This year being able to celebrate the country’s 250th birthday during the 43rd Alabama State Games Opening Ceremony as an America 250 Alabama certified event is a great privilege for us. We can’t wait to welcome athletes to Birmingham on Friday, June 12th and I encourage everyone within driving distance of the BJCC to come join this special celebration.”
On July 4, 2026, the United States will mark its 250th anniversary, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Across the country, states are selecting events, festivals and tributes that reflect the promise of America: honoring the past, celebrating the contributions of its people and looking ahead to the next generation. The Alabama State Games fit that mission. Built on core principles of academic success, healthy lifestyles and good citizenship, the Games were selected as an official America 250 Alabama event.
