Olympic Style “Meijer State Games of Michigan” are Later This Month

It was so successful last year, they're back for another go.  Thousands of athletes from across the state will be in West Michigan later this month for the 3rd annual "Meijer State Games of Michigan."

They're run Olympic style,  and are expected to bring in the gold for area businesses.

It's bigger and better than ever this year, with up to five thousand athletes competing in 31 events, 5 more sports than last year. The majority of the athletes are in their teenage years, and two-thirds of them are from out of town, which means friends and family members will likely travel to West Michigan to cheer them on. Good news for local hotels and restaurants.

Last year, the 2011 games drew people from 68 of the state's 83 counties who spent an estimated $1.125 million in the community.

This month's event is expected to top that and bring in an estimated $1.5 million.

Then, not long after the Meijer State Games end, the USA Table Tennis U.S. Open will get underway at DeVos place. Top players from Europe and Asia will join the best from the US, including 4 Olympians.

Combined, both events are expected to bring in more than $2 million for the hospitality industry here.

Let's make sure we all make our visitors welcome and show them why West Michigan is a wonderful place to be.