10,000-plus athletes launch into State Games of America

Mountain biker Cody Cox was the 10,000th athlete to register for the 2007 State Games of America, which run today through Sunday.

Cox, 16, is competing in the event for the first time.

“It’s a good event that’s here,” he said. “I thought I could use it as a tune-up event for the National Mountain Bike Series in August.”

The Cheyenne Mountain High School junior placed fourth in the USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships in last month.

His goal is to at least place on the podium but he said he wants to take home the gold. Cox said he is looking forward to the State Games because of the variety of sporting events it offers.

“I’m just a small part of a huge experience,” Cox said. “It’ll be completely different to have athletes compete in different events.”

More than 10,564 athletes from 47 states will compete in 29 events.

Today’s 6:30 p.m. opening ceremony is sold out. There may be a few tickets available to the public at 7:30 p.m. at the World Arena box office if unclaimed by athletes.

Online registration is closed for all sports. On-site, day-of-event registration will be available in 5K run, 3-D archery, target archery, cycling, judo, martial arts, table tennis and volleyball.

Updates

The youth flag football section was canceled.

Basketball events for today have been canceled and will only take place Friday through Sunday.

Sabin Middle School will not be used for basketball. All games scheduled for Sabin have been moved to Palmer High School.

For all updates log on to www.thesportscorp.org and check the schedules tab on the left side.