The 39th Annual Simplot Games
For Immediate Release
Date January 20, 2017
Contact: Hailie Pease (208) 908- 8348
E-mail: media@simplotgames.com
The 39th Annual Simplot Games
Unforgettable Excitement
Pocatello, Idaho – The 39th annual Simplot Games are here. Athletes, coaches, spectators, and Olympic legends will fill Idaho State University’s Holt Arena as they all experience an unforgettable weekend of competition and fun. Simplot Games is a chance for athletes to experience healthy competition, while the southeast Idaho community comes together to support the growth of young athletes from across the world.
Since it was first held in 1979, Simplot Games has become the nation’s premier high school indoor track and field event. Simplot Games is an open meet, meaning competitors do not need a qualifying time or mark to participate. This encourages high school athletes of all levels to participate, and this year welcomes more than 2,000 athletes from 20 U.S. states, Canada, and Australia.
Some athletes who compete at Simplot Games even make the transition from Holt Arena’s wood-banked track to competing in the Olympics. The 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio saw Simplot Games alumni Allyson Felix (400 meters) and Ryan Crouser (shot put) capture gold medals.
Not Your Average Track Meet
Beyond the opportunity to compete and win medals, the athletes who participate in Simplot Games also get to experience a variety of off-the-track fun.
On Friday night, competitors will have the opportunity to attend Simplot Games- After Dark, an event that provides athletes with the choice to attend a talk by Olympian Andre Phillips, a seminar led by Coach Trent Sanderson, or Simplot Games Deal or No Deal. The event ends with a dance party with a live DJ, bounce houses, obstacle courses, and more.
Simplot Games competitors also have the unique experience of participating in a Parade of Athletes in between Saturday’s final events. This event harkens to the ceremony of the Olympics by highlighting each state’s athlete as they parade around the arena.
“Simplot Games is such a unique experience because everyone gets to compete, whether you are an athlete trying to break your personal record or an athlete striving to compete at the college, professional, or Olympic level,” said Lisa Woodland, Simplot Games Executive Director. “It’s amazing to see the excitement on the faces of all the athletes as they enter the arena and get to experience their first Simplot Games.”
Throughout the weekend of Simplot Games, athletes will also have a chance to meet Olympic legends such as Dick Fosbury, Willie Banks, Andre Phillips, Stacy Dragila, and Kristin Armstrong.
What’s New?
Three-time Olympic gold medalist Kristin Armstrong will be in attendance at this year’s Simplot Games for the first time. She will also speak at Friday’s Breakfast with Fosbury and Friends where she will share her experiences as a three-time gold medalist. Armstrong was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both hips in 2001 and was forced to end her triathlon career. After her diagnosis, she decided to singularly focus on cycling and is now the most decorated female cyclist in U.S. History.
Olympians such as gymnast Olga Korbut, decathlete Rafer Johnson, pole-vaulter Steve Hooker, and long jump world record holder Mike Powell have preceded Armstrong as breakfast speakers.
39 Years of Success
For 39 years, Simplot Games has been a place that fosters the spirit of friendly competition. It is an event that high school athletes enjoy and look forward to each year because of the hard work and dedication that hundreds of volunteers give, and the backing of numerous sponsors.
“The J.R. Simplot Company, as well as many other sponsors, see the value of the Simplot Games for the community and for the athletes,” Woodland said. “J. R. Simplot had a passion to see that with hard work and dedication, the athletes would have an opportunity to show what they are made of and to accomplish great things. Not only does this apply on the track but in life as well. What great lessons for the youth of today.”
Make sure not to miss this year’s Simplot Games, February 16-18. Admission is free. For more information and event schedules go to www.simplotgames.com and check out Simplot Games on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, and Snapchat.
More than 2,100 athletes will come from across the U.S., Canada, and Australia to participate in the 39th annual Simplot Games. Simplot Games remains the nation’s premier high school indoor track and field event. Sponsored by the J.R. Simplot Company since 1979, the Simplot Games are held at Idaho State University’s Holt Arena in Pocatello, Idaho.
For more information on Simplot Games, please visit our website at www.simplotgames.comHYPERLINK “https://wordpress-674818-2304003.cloudwaysapps.com/”. You may also contact Lisa Woodland at (208) 235-5604 or Simplot Games Media Team at media@simplotgames.com.
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Simplot Games
The Nation’s Premiere High School Track & Field Event
Pocatello, Idaho
(208) 235-5604
See Simplot Games on Twitter @SimplotGames, Facebook, Instagram, Vine and YouTube
www.simplotgames.com