The Shadow
Virginia Amateur Sports (VAS) announced today some exciting news for the 2022 Virginia Commonwealth Games, including a fun change to the beloved Opening Ceremony.
The Tailgate Party and Opening Ceremonies are each getting a remix for 2022. The Parade of Athletes will kick off at 5:30 pm, leading into Opening Ceremonies, which will feature the newly crowned Miss VA Victoria Chuah, the Lighting the cauldron and the official kicking off the Games – while also highlighting the 50th Anniversary of the passage of the Title IX legislation. The Tailgate party will begin at 6 pm following the conclusion of the Opening Ceremonies – athletes will receive
their complimentary food with their Games wristband, as well as some extra goodies. There will be lots of games, activities and so much more! All of the festivities will take place from 5:30-8 pm on Friday, July 22nd in the LU Indoor Football Practice Facility. Both events Friday evening are free to the public and open to the community.
There are 5 new sports and 1 returning sport this year – Cheerleading, Gravel Racing, Adaptive Rugby, Inclusive Track & Field, Team Volleyball, and the return of Mountain Biking. We have held a few competitions already this year – Adaptive Rugby (April), part of Baseball, Figure Skating, Swimming, Triathlon and Wrestling were all held in June. To date over 2,500 athletes have competed in the Games in 2022. We were excited to add Adaptive Rugby and Inclusive Track & Field to give
even more of Virginia’s athletes, that hadn’t previously been able to compete, the opportunity to show their skills and earn a medal. Again this year, we will have Live Streaming of the All-Star Baseball Tournament games (provided by Liberty University). The All-Star Baseball Tournament starts this weekend – July 15-17, and the link for viewing those Games, as well as the team rosters are on our website.
There are 5 events kicking off this weekend – Snowflex (Liberty University), Adult Softball (Peaksview Park), Pickleball (Liberty University), Racquetball (Liberty University), and All-Star Baseball (Liberty University). Main Games weekend (July 22-24) will bring 12 sports to Lynchburg and the surrounding area, 1 in Roanoke, 1 in Christiansburg and Chess is virtual – for a total of 15 sports in 3 days. It is sure to be a great weekend of competition and performances, including over 100
basketball teams.
Liberty University President Prevo said “Liberty University is proud to continue its partnership with Virginia Amateur Sports as we host the 2022 Virginia Commonwealth Games here on campus. We look forward to welcoming the athletes and their families to Lynchburg as these talented athletes exhibit their skills and determination during this week’s competitions.”
“We are proud to partner with Liberty University and Virginia Amateur Sports to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games and, most importantly, to welcome all of the athletes, families and friends to our City,” said City of Lynchburg Mayor Mary Jane Dolan. “The Commonwealth Games bring thousands of athletes to the City and we are thrilled that both the number of participants and the impact they have in Lynchburg continues to grow. While you are here, we encourage you to explore all
Lynchburg has to offer – from fantastic food offerings to historic sites and exciting outdoor activities. We hope you enjoy your time in the Hill City.”
We are proud to partner with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank again this year, in an effort to Torch Hunger. We launched a text to donate campaign, with a goal of providing meals to area families in need. You can learn more about the campaign by texting BRFOODBANK to 44-321.
Main Games weekend upholds a positive reputation with the community for bolstering tourism and serving as an economic engine to the host city each year. For 33 years the Virginia Commonwealth Games have provided excellent opportunities for thousands of Virginians to develop and foster new relationships, establish new goals and personal bests, while at the same time learning teamwork, sportsmanship, as well as individual team responsibilities.
The Games are presented by Centra, ABC 13, Liberty University, and the City of Lynchburg.
About Virginia Amateur Sports (VAS): The rights holder for the Virginia Commonwealth Games at Liberty University – this event is modeled after the Olympics, the Games welcomes athletes regardless of age or skill level. The Games embody the values of participation, sportsmanship and healthy living amongst residents of Virginia and surrounding eligible states. VAS has been organizing the event for 33 years and it is truly a grassroots effort that relies on the dedication of thousands of
volunteers and support from local sponsors and organizations across the Commonwealth. VAS is a member of the National Congress of State Games.
About the National Congress of State Games: The National Congress of State Games (NCSG) is a membership organization comprised of 34 Summer State Games and 9 Winter State Games organizations and a member of the United States Olympic Committee’s Multi Sports Organizational Council. The mission of the NCSG is to support State Games member organizations in the promotion of health, fitness and character building through Olympic – style competitions and physical activities.
