LINCOLN, Neb. (January 9, 2015) — Olympic hurdler and bobsledder Lolo Jones and Olympic wrestler Jordan Burroughs are encouraging eligible athletes from across the country to join them at the 2015 State Games of America (SGA) in Lincoln, Nebraska, July 28–August 2, 2015. Jones and Burroughs will appear at the opening ceremonies and host events for 2015 SGA competitors.

The State Games of America is the largest Olympic-style sports festival in the nation. The 2015 SGA is expected to draw 20,000 athletes to compete in more than 60 sports. Most of the competitions are organized by age divisions and skill levels.

Jones competed in the Iowa Games after her high school career in Des Moines and says the event was her first exposure to a broader range of competitors. She calls the State Games of America concept “brilliant” because the opportunity to perform with athletes from around the country can bring out the best in competitors. She says the SGA also offers an experience similar to the Olympics.

“It’s quite thrilling. You get to meet people from different places who are training hard and trying to do their best at a sport they love, just like you,” said Jones. “It opens a floodgate of new friendships. Some of my best friends are people that I never would have met if we hadn’t competed against each other.”

Burroughs continues to train and compete with Team USA and is an assistant coach for the University of Nebraska wrestling team. He competed collegiately for Nebraska, where he won two national titles. Following his college career, he successfully transitioned to international competition winning a World Championship in 2011 and an Olympic Gold Medal in 2012.

Burroughs will conduct a wrestling clinic for 2015 SGA competitors on July 30. Jones will meet athletes and fans during an event at the track and field venue.

“I can’t wait,” Jones said. “I’m looking forward to being around other athletes who are pushing themselves to perform their best.”

Online registration is open at SGA2015.com, along with details regarding events and eligibility.

The State Games of America is sanctioned by the National Congress of State Games. The Nebraska Sports Council (NSC) will organize and oversee the event. The NSC’s Cornhusker State Games recently celebrated its 30th anniversary and is one of the largest State Games events in the nation.