Hobbies And Interests
Running and Walking
The Utah Summer Games features competitive events both in walking and running. The 5k walk-run is a combination of walking and running. Because this event includes people of all abilities, it is more inclusive than the 10k run, which, although Utah Summer Games does not specifically exclude any group, would be less appropriate for some athletes because of the faster pace and longer distance. There is also a triathlon that requires over 50 miles of running, biking and swimming.
Water Sports
The Utah Summer Games includes water sports such as water polo, swimming, fishing, long boarding and sailing. Some events are for individual persons, some are for teams. For example, water polo is a sport that requires team participation, while swimming, long boarding and wind surfing can be done by a person working alone. The water events for the Utah Summer Games take place at the Deer Creek Reservoir at Provo Canyon, Sand Hollow State Park in Hurricane, and Southern Utah University's Sorensen P.E. Building.
Games with Lower Physical Demands
Because the Utah Summer Games seeks to be all-inclusive, sporting events are available to people who may not be physically able to withstand strenuous physical activity. Activities with lower physical demands include table tennis, shooting and archery, arm wrestling and fishing. There are also a number of youth games, such as basketball, girls' fast-pitch softball, soccer and girls' gymnastics, that let kids compete against each other at their own levels.
Utah Summer Games History
The Utah Summer Games started in 1986 as a way for athletes from around Utah to participate in competitive, Olympic-style events in a variety of sports. Gerald Sherratt, then president of Southern Utah State College -- now Southern Utah University -- wanted to draw attention to the state during the time the international Olympics were being held. There originally were regional qualifying events for participation in the statewide games, but that requirement was dropped in favor of having people of all ages participate.