The State Games of Mississippi is looking for volunteers to help during the 2008 games.

Competition is scheduled for June 13-15, June 20-22, and June 26-29 in Lauderdale, Neshoba and surrounding counties. More than 450 volunteers are utilized during this time, on-site and behind the scenes. The average shift is 4 to 6 hours.

Volunteers are needed for ticket taking, equipment setup, timing, scoring, measuring distances, registration of athletes and delivering water and other supplies. Service duties include answering phones, registration, score reporting and media communications.

The State Games of Mississippi is the state’s largest amateur multi-sports festival for athletes of all ages and abilities.

The opening ceremonies will be June 20 at Dumont Plaza in downtown Meridian. There will be the traditional parade of athletes, lighting of the torch and fireworks show. The city has provided a map of available parking locations. A link to it is provided below. Parking in the Arts District Parking Garage will be free of charge for this event. Some downtown streets will be closed.

WTOK-TV is proud to be among the sponsors for this statewide event.

For volunteer applications and schedules, contact the State Games of Mississippi office at 1-800-482-0205 or visit the State Games of Mississippi Web site. A link is provided below.