Whistle stop' tour touts State Games

By Staff
From staff reports
June 4, 2002
A "whistle stop" press tour on Amtrak through two states today and Wednesday is designed to promote one of Meridian's most popular attractions  State Games of Mississippi.
State Games representatives teamed up with Amtrak, the event's Silver Sponsor, for stops along the "City of New Orleans" route today in Greenwood, Jackson, McComb and New Orleans. They will board the "Amtrak Crescent" on Wednesday, stopping in Picayune and Laurel before returning to Meridian's Union Station at 11:16 a.m.
The trip, which features press briefings at all the stops, is an effort to raise support for local athletes and awareness of the 2002 State Games. The statewide amateur sportsfest is patterned after the Olympics and will draw more than 4,000 athletes of all ages and abilities competing in 28 events.
In its 11th year, State Games 2002 is scheduled over two consecutive weekends June 14-16 and June 20-23. Opening ceremonies are scheduled for Friday, June 14.
State Games officials and volunteers are being joined on the press tour by representatives of the Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau, participating athletes and sponsors.
For more information on State Games of Mississippi, call 1-800-482-0205, visit www.stategamesofms.org or e-mail stgamiss@aol.com.