Best Hotel in San Diego for Cal State Games Athletes: San Diego Marriott Mission Valley

SAN DIEGO, CA (May 24, 2024) –The 2024 State Games of America presented by National University, a biennial Olympic-style amateur sports competition that features medalists from State Games throughout the country announced today that National University will offer up to 250 free individual sports registrations to Active Duty military members and their dependents. The California State Games, managed by Sports San Diego, successfully bid to bring the State Games of America to San Diego for this event that happens every two years. Approximately 10,000 athletes are expected to compete in the competition across multiple venues in San Diego County from July 17-21, 2024. San Diego last hosted the State Games of America in 2011. “We are so excited to welcome thousands of athletes from all around the country to San Diego for the State Games of America,” said Sports San Diego CEO, Mark Neville. “Likewise, we are so appreciative to our longtime partner National University for underwriting the entry fees for participants representing our military community. In many ways this is going to be a very special event that is going to provide San Diego with a tremendous impact.” “National University is in and of San Diego, and we are thrilled to see the State Games of America coming to San Diego this summer,” said Dr. Mark D. Milliron, president and CEO of Veteran-founded, nonprofit National University, at which 50% of undergraduate students are military affiliated. “The dedication and hard work of these athletes parallels that of the military community and serves as inspiration to striving National University students to successfully achieve their goals. We wish all the competitors the best of luck in the Games.” The National Congress of State Games (NCSG), created in 1986 as the official association of State Games organizations nationwide, began with New York's Empire State Games in 1978 and has since grown to encompass 30 Summer State Games and 10 Winter State Games, engaging over 265,000 athletes and 50,000 volunteers annually. Active Duty military members and their dependents participating in individual sports can find the link to verify their ID on sport registration pages, where, following verification, they will be provided instructions on how to redeem their registration. All questions about the 250 complimentary entries into the 2024 State Games of America hosted in San Diego can be directed to info@stategamesofamerica.com . All California and Nevada residents can register for the State Games of America just like they would for a traditional California State Games. Athletes from any other National Congress of State Games (NCSG) Member State programs must meet qualification criteria to participate. For further information and eligibility, visit stategamesofamerica.com. # # # About California State Games California State Games (CSG) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and the largest amateur sports festival in the state. As a community-based member of the United States Olympic Committee, CSG have hosted their Olympic-style event since 1988. As of 2023, CSG is managed by Sports San Diego. About Sports San Diego Recognizing that San Diego is a premier tourist destination, the mission of Sports San Diego, a non-profit 501c3 organization, is to generate tourism, visibility, and economic impact for the San Diego region by producing the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl, Rady Children’s Invitational, California State Games and recruiting outstanding sports events and experiences to San Diego. Since 1978, the association has generated more than $1 billion in economic benefit for the San Diego region. About National University National University, a Veteran-founded nonprofit, has been dedicated to meeting the needs of nontraditional, working, and military students by providing accessible, affordable higher education opportunities since 1971. As San Diego’s largest private nonprofit university, NU offers over 190+ online and on-campus programs with flexible four-week and eight-week classes and one-to-one graduate education models designed to help students reach their goals while balancing busy lives. Since its founding, the NU community has grown to 130,000 learners served per year—50,000 degree-seeking students and 80,000 workforce and professional development students—and 230,000 alumni around the globe, many of whom serve in helping industries such as business, education, health care, cybersecurity, and law and criminal justice. To learn more about National University’s new possibilities in education including next-generation education, value-rich education, and whole human education, visit NU.edu . # # www.sportssandiego.org # #

The California State Games is host to the 2024 State Games of America presented by National University . Based in sunny San Diego, this is a great chance for SGA athletes to compete alongside the nation’s best athletes while enjoying one of the nation’s best travel destinations. We like to think that everything is better by the beach; here are seven must-see beaches in America’s Finest City. 1. La Jolla Shores La Jolla Shores is a popular and long stretch of beach perfect for families and kids to relax, play, and build sandcastles. In the summer, you might see the famous La Jolla Leopard Sharks . 2. La Jolla Cove La Jolla Cove , rated the U.S.'s most beautiful beach in 2023 , offers breathtaking high cliffs and hidden coves. Visitors can explore tide pools and spot sea lions, capturing the essence of San Diego's coastal charm. 3. Sunset Cliffs Sunset Cliffs boasts rocky coastlines, tide pools, and stunning ocean views. Located just south of Ocean Beach, it offers a perfect sunrise view for surfers. 4. Pacific Beach Pacific Beach caters to adults with its vibrant scene of restaurants, bars, and a lively boardwalk. It offers a mix of tours and sightseeing, perfect for a fun beach day in San Diego. 5. Ocean Beach The venue for the 2024 SGA Surfing Championship , Ocean Beach is one of San Diego’s best spots to watch the surf. OB isn’t for beach loungers, but those who want to take a beach walks, enjoy the surf scene, and smell the salty air alongside the pier. 6. Del Mar Beach Del Mar Beach is a popular beach for its scenery and lounging, and it’s also a great location for athletes who will spend a lot of time in northern San Diego. Just south of Encinitas, Del Mar Beach is incredibly clean and offers a soft sandy beach, grassy areas, and facilities. 7. Windansea Beach Windansea Beach in La Jolla offers beautiful surf and stunning scenery with fewer crowds. It's great for sunbathing and exploring unique rock formations. Just remember the waves are strong here! Know before you go! When exploring new or unfamiliar beaches, stay informed by checking weather reports and learning more about your beach destination . Have you registered for the 2024 State Games of America presented by National University? Find out whether you’re eligible and register now!