Contact:Dave Mlnarik

Executive Director, Nebraska Sports Council

dmlnarik@nebraskasportscouncil.com402-471-2544 

Chess is a Developing Sport in the 2015 State Games of America

Event Seeks to Grow Chess in State Games Competitions 

 

LINCOLN, Neb. (October 31, 2014) - Chess competitors from across the United States are eligible to enter the 2015 State Games of America (SGA) in Lincoln, Nebraska, July 28-August 2, 2015. Chess is classified as a developing sport, which means no qualifying is required. Currently only three states, Nebraska, Kentucky and Virginia, include chess in their State Games competitions, but organizers hope to grow that number by including chess in the 2015 SGA. The Nebraska Sports Council (NSC) will organize and oversee the 2015 SGA. The NSC's Cornhusker State Games has long included chess. "Our hope is that chess players from around the nation will participate in the State Games of America, enjoy the experience and encourage their State Games competitions back home to include chess," said Dave Mlnarik, executive director of the Nebraska Sports Council. Matches during the 2015 SGA competition will be rated by the United States Chess Federation (USCF), though a membership in the USCF is not required to enter. The tournament will include open, reserve, junior and scholastic divisions with matches conducted in a Swiss System. Additional details about the chess competition format are available on the Sport Info page at SGA2015.com, along with registration information.

 The 2015 SGA is the largest Olympic-style sports festival in the nation, with 20,000 athletes expected to compete in more than 60 sports and recreational events with multiple age divisions and skill levels. "We're looking forward to welcoming some of the top amateur competitors from across the country, and we're confident they'll have a great experience at the 2015 SGA in Lincoln," said Mlnarik. "The attractions and recreation opportunities in the area also make the 2015 SGA a great family vacation destination." The State Games of America is sanctioned by the National Congress of State Games. The biennial event began in 1999, and the president of the organization, Dan Duffy, says the 2015 SGA could set new standards. "The Nebraska Sports Council is on track to bring the State Games of America to an entirely new level not experienced since its inception in 1999," said Duffy. "State Games participants from across the country have been waiting with anticipation for registration to begin. The National Congress of State Games looks forward to continuing to support the efforts of the Nebraska Sports Council as they strive to produce the most successful State Games of America ever." Details regarding events, eligibility and the host city of Lincoln are available at SGA2015.com. Follow 2015 State Games of America on Facebook and Twitter for the latest