LINCOLN, Neb. (May 28, 2015) — The 2015 State Games of America (SGA 2015) in Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska is just two months away and event officials are encouraging competitors to sign up now. Entry fees for most individual sports will increase $5 after June 1. Team sports fees will go up $3 per team member. Registration will remain open through July 1 for the event which runs July 28–August 2.

SGA 2015 replaces the Cornhusker State Games for this year, so all Nebraskans are eligible to enter. Of 5,000 total entries received, nearly 2,800 are from Nebraska, and 185 communities are represented so far. The Nebraska Sports Council (NSC) is organizing SGA 2015, and NSC Executive Director Dave Mlnarik says he’s confident that host-state athletes will make a strong showing in the event.

“Nebraskans are great competitors, but we’re also counting on our Nebraska athletes to be great hosts for the out-of-state participants,” said Mlnarik. “This is an opportunity to show people from across the nation what Nebraska is all about.”

Jeff Hageman from Omaha competed in the 2009 State Games of America in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The 50-year-old sprinter says he’s looking forward to SGA 2015.

“It’s great to line up against champions from other states,” said Hageman. “I enjoyed meeting new people who have the same passion for my sport.”

SGA 2015 includes more than 60 sports, with competitors grouped according to age and ability. Mlnarik expects some high-level competition, but recreational athletes shouldn’t be intimidated.

“For some, this may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete in a national event close to home,” said Mlnarik. “There’s a place for everyone who wants to participate and have a great time.”

Overall, competitors from 45 states and the District of Columbia have entered so far and SGA 2015 is expected to be the largest State Games of America event ever. Details regarding events, eligibility, hotel accommodations and the host city of Lincoln are available at SGA2015.com. Follow State Games of America on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.

The State Games of America is a program of the National Congress of State Games and the Nebraska Sports Council.  Platinum partners include the Nebraska National Guard, CHI Health St. Elizabeth, the Omaha World-Herald, Black Hills Energy, the Nebraska Tourism Commission and the Downtown Optimist Club of Lincoln.