General Information
July 18-20, 2008

WHAT ARE THE COVENTRY COMMONWEALTH GAMES OF VA?
The Coventry Commonwealth Games of Virginia is an Olympic-style amateur sports festival for male and female athletes of all ages and abilities. The Coventry Commonwealth Games of Virginia is produced by Virginia Amateur Sports, Inc., a non-profit corporation located in Roanoke. The Games are sanctioned by the national governing body for State Games: the National Congress of State Games, the NCAA, the VHSL and recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee as a State Games Participant.

Over 40 states have State Games competitions. The concept of the State Games movement is to provide an avenue for positive personal development through sports, to recognize dedication and achievement, to promote health, fitness, and the camaraderie of competition. The Coventry Commonwealth Games of Virginia, which includes both Olympic and non-Olympic sports, has grown from 4,465 participants in 29 sports in 1990, to nearly 9,000 athletes competing in 52 sports in 2007. The 2008 Games will feature these sporting events:

Following the tradition of the Olympics, the Coventry Commonwealth Games of Virginia officially begin with Opening Ceremonies in Roanoke on Friday night, July 18 at the Roanoke Civic Center. This year, ceremonies will feature the Parade of Athletes, fireworks, and a nationally know guest speaker.

ELIGIBILITY
Residency Requirements:
The following people may participate in the Coventry Commonwealth Games of Virginia:

Residents of Virginia for 30 days prior to the first day of competition - OR-

Students enrolled at a Virginia academic institution - OR-

U.S. Military personnel of family members stationed at a base in Virginia. Exceptions: Persons residing in adjacent states who belong to a club based in  Virginia which regularly competes in Virginia - OR - Persons who are employed full time in Virginia.

Amateur Status:
All Athletes must meet amateur guidelines as defined by the National Governing Body rules for their particular sport.

Age:
In general, age division will be determined by the athlete's age as of the first day of competition. There will be certain exceptions, noted under individual sports.

Other Eligibility Requirements:
In addition, certain sports will have defined events, age groups, disciplines and participation limits. Any application submitted not meeting the above criteria will be acted upon under the discretion of the Games committee.

Refunds:  There will be no refunds because an athlete or team fails to participate or for inclement weather.

AWARDS
Following the Olympic tradition, top quality gold, silver, and bronze medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each event. In team competition, a medal will be awarded to each member of the official roster.

AMENITIES

• A Coventry Commonwealth Games of Virginia T-shirt. These will be given out at Check-in.
• Opportunity to participate in Opening Ceremonies. Opening Ceremonies will be held at the Roanoke Civic Center this year. Please wear your Games T-shirt or team uniform.
• Weekend Activities.
• Free admission to all sport venues. (Some venues will be charging admission to the general public.)

711-C 5th Street NE
Roanoke, VA 24016
540-343-0987
tammi@commonwealthgames.org