NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

From: Nebraska Sports Council 402-471-2544

Contact: Dave Mlnarik 402-471-2544

Officials announced today that Cornhusker State Games registrations are still being accepted in most sports through Friday, June 11 and that two new Cornhusker State Games sports, Lacrosse and Jiu Jitsu, take center stage this weekend in early competition.

Lacrosse, with eight teams and 83 athletes, takes place at Creighton Prep in Omaha beginning Saturday, and Jiu Jitsu, with 77 registered athletes, will be held Saturday at Roseberry’s Martial Arts Center in Lincoln.  Competition in most sports takes place June 19-27, and the Opening Ceremonies is set for Friday, June 25.

Officials also announced that there would likely be a decline in overall participant numbers, mostly attributable to the date change.  The 2010 Cornhusker State Games were moved up to June to accommodate volunteer, lodging and facility requirements for the Special Olympics National Games, which take place July 18-23, the usual competition period for the State Games.

“We anticipated an overall decline because of the change, so this is not a big surprise,” Executive Director Dave Mlnarik said Wednesday.  “We’re projecting a total of around 11,500, which represents a decline of about 1,500 from 2009.  That's a whole lot of Nebraskans coming together for something fun and positive.”

While major team sports like basketball, softball and soccer seemed to account for the majority of the decline, many individual sports are thriving on the new dates.  Jr. high/high school trapshooting has nearly doubled with a record 259 shooters.  Other sports with record numbers or major increases include swimming, (408), archery (171), chess (95), taekwondo (120), fencing (57) and sport skydiving (36).

Those wishing to register can do so through Friday, or get more information, at www.cornhuskerstategames.com.