Gainesville will host two events this year, both on July 16: rowing at the Lake Lanier Olympic Center and and Open Water Swimming in Lake Lanier.
The Georgia Games grew out of the state's desire to increase interest in amateur sports - and includes participants of all ages and skill levels.
Georgia Games Public Relations Director Jeff Seagraves said Thursday the games had their birth in 1989 as Atlanta was lobbying for the 1996 Olympics. Seagraves says any city or state bidding on the Olympics had to have an amateur sporting event similar to the Olympics in place.
Seagraves says over the years the Georgia Games, chaired from the inception by Abit Massey of Gainesville, have grown from 10-12 events with about 1,500 participants to around 40 events, with 8,000-10,000 athletes .
Massey was not available for comment Thursday.
To check the complete 2005 Georgia Games Championships Venue Schedule, go to the Web site linked below.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2005/6/132693