34th Annual Cornhusker State Games

Posted By: Channel 8 Eyewitness News

8@klkntv.com

Opening Ceremonies for the 34th annual Cornhusker State Games kicked off Friday, at Seacrest Field in Lincoln.

The entertainment lineup includes the parade of athletes, skydivers, fireworks, mascots, the NoWear BMX stunt team and the caldron-lighting by this year’s mystery torchlighter.

Most of the 10,000 registered athletes will be in action with 41 sports taking place this weekend, beginning with fencing, golf, ice hockey and volleyball taking place Friday. Five sports were held last weekend and 19 more will be staged on the Games final weekend July 28-29.

The top five sports in participation are basketball—884, volleyball—762, softball—692, ice hockey—629 and track and field—587.  Participants range in age from two to 90 and come from 22 states and more than 300 Nebraska towns.

New sports this year include rowing, which was held last weekend, Ninja Challenge which takes place Saturday, July 21 at Lincoln East High School and Freestyle BMX, which will be held Saturday at the NoWear BMX compound near Unadilla. The Ninja Challenge course is open to the public through Friday this week.

Honorees include retired Hall of Fame football coach Gene Suhr, who will serve as Parade Marshal and the Games’ Honorary Chairman Rob Rhodes, President of the Nebraska Medical Association. U.S. Congressman Jeff Fortenberry, Nebraska Lieutenant Governor Mike Foley and Nebraska National Guard Adjutant General Daryl Bohac will be among the dignitaries on hand as well.

 Learn more at http://nebraskasportscouncil.com/.

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