MONTGOMERY — The Alabama State Games enters Year 41 with a championship supporter: the Alabama High School Athletic Association. The AHSAA for a long time has encouraged student-athletes to be a part of the state’s largest Olympic-style event. 

Of the 20-plus events on offer as part of the 41st Alabama State Games, set for June 7-9 in Birmingham, some will feature multiple ways to participate, be it as an individual, part of a club team, a community team, a travel team or as a member of an NFHS/AHSAA team in its division.

Eligible sports, including softball, wrestling, bowling and soccer, will feature an opportunity for NFHS/AHSAA schools to register and compete against other member schools’ teams as part of the 41st Alabama State Games.

“The Alabama State Games offer an excellent opportunity for student-athletes in the AHSAA to compete in a wide variety of sports each summer,” AHSAA Executive Director Alvin Briggs said. “The positive experience gained from participating in the Alabama State Games only enhances their desire to compete, improve and to have fun.”

Having the AHSAA’s affirmed support means new opportunities for athletes to compete in the Alabama State Games, provided they follow the guidelines set forth: “Participation must be in accordance with all AHSAA bylaws. Therefore, summer practice and summer competition rules must be followed (Rule III. Sections 21-22). AHSAA member school teams may only participate during the allowable summer dates for their respective sport’s season. Additionally, member schools may only participate against other AHSAA member school teams during this event.”

The Alabama State Games, founded in 1982 at the request of the U.S. Olympic Committee, will now be better equipped to reach a broader statewide audience and help fulfill the goal of having participation from all 67 counties. It also introduces a new audience to the Alabama State Games' commitment to academics.

The Alabama State Games has awarded over $363,000 in academic scholarships to registered athletes participating in the Opening Ceremony. All scholarship awards are held in trust until the athlete starts at their chosen college or university thus not jeopardizing eligibility of a NFHS/AHSAA student athlete.

“We are thrilled to renew this relationship with the Alabama High School Athletic Association,” Alabama State Games Executive Director Laura Creel Burt said. “This partnership — as in years past — not only strengthens our annual events going forward but also inspires more individuals to engage in sports, pursue academic success, embrace a healthy lifestyle, and aspire to be leaders within their community.”

The scholarships will be awarded as part of the State Farm Athlete Leadership Summit and the Opening Ceremony, both held on June 7.

Visit the Alabama State Games online at alagames.com and find their social media pages for immediate announcements leading up to the 41st Games in June.