State Games to Be Spread Around County Sites

Orange County will give the California State Games plenty of room this summer.

The annual sports festival, for amateurs aged 8-18, will be held Aug. 8-11 with opening ceremonies Aug. 9 at Cal State Fullerton. And unlike past State Games, which were concentrated in one city, this year’s events will involve much of the county.

The schedule, announced Tuesday, includes soccer at Dana Hills High School, gymnastics at Brea Olinda High, figure skating at Disney Ice in Anaheim and water polo at Corona del Mar.

More than 5,000 athletes are expected to participate in 20 sports. State Games are modeled after the Olympics and take place in 46 states.

Organizers hope to make Orange County a permanent home for the event, which has been held in Ontario, Concord and San Diego. Sandi Hill, State Games executive director, said Orange County cities paid $500-$2,000 to host an event. The athletes pay their way to the games, Hill said.

Judo, wrestling and weightlifting still do not have sites.

In future years, Hill said she hopes to hold regional competitions in Northern and Southern California, with winners advancing to the Orange County sites.