About BGSG

Mission

The Bluegrass State Games is a non-profit program sponsored privately to promote amateur athletics across the Commonwealth. It is the signature event of the Bluegrass Sports Commission, designed to provide Kentuckians of all ages and skill levels a wholesome avenue for positive development through sports and physical activity, to promote and develop amateur athletics and to provide the amateur athlete an opportunity to showcase their talent and receive statewide recognition.

Bluegrass State Games is a member of the National Congress of State Games which is a member of the United States Olympic Committee.

History

Created in 1985 by Governor Martha Layne Collins, the Bluegrass State Games is a non-profit program sponsored privately to promote amateur athletics across the Commonwealth.

It is designed to provide Kentuckians of all ages and skill levels a wholesome avenue for positive and healthy development through sports and physical activity, while promoting and developing amateur athletics to provide the amateur athlete an opportunity to showcase his/her talent and receive statewide recognition.

Facts

  • Largest participation of any amateur sporting event in the state, more than 15,000 participants in 2008 and continues to be one of the longest running events of its kind in the United States.
  • 30 different sports offered.
  • High percentage of participants are in multiple tournaments and competitions throughout the state annually. They like to travel!
  • Sports events are held in Fayette, Woodford, Scott, Clark, Madison and Franklin Counties.
  • The Games bring together Kentuckians from around the Commonwealth each year to compete in many different sports and activities.
  • The Games have been a mainstay of Kentucky’s culture since its inception, but it is now being re-energized. Our corporate and media partnership program is the main element of that rejuvenation.

2011 Bluegrass Sports Commission Board

Don Adkins – Fayette County Schools
David Bertram – IMG
Steve Brooks
Paul Chartier – Fifth Third Bank
Kimra Cole
Brigid DeVries
Brooks Downing – Lagardere Unlimited
Sam Dunn – Bluegrass Management Group
Cliff Feltham – Kentucky Utilities
Joe Fields – Lexington Center Corporation
Rick Ford – iHigh, Inc.
Ken Jackson – Kentuckiana Farms
Jack Kelly
Don Lane – Transylvania University
David Lord – Lexington Convention & Visitors Bureau
Ed Mastrean
Russ Pear – UK Athletics Association
Sharon Pfister – Asher Agency – Subway
Alan Stein – Lexington Legends
Joe Terry – Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP
Kris Zander – Kentucky Youth Soccer

2011 Bluegrass Sports Commission Executive Committee

Brooks Downing, Chair
Jack Kelly, Vice President
Kris Zander, Secretary
David Bertram, Treasurer
Terry Johnson, Executive Director