Kenny Macklin • June 2, 2021

Jesse Smith: Here's Why the California State Games is Special

Jesse Smith is an American Water Polo player and four-time Olympian.

He is a current member of the U.S. Men’s National Team, and has been a member of the Olympic team since 2004, winning a silver medal in the 2008 Olympic Games. Smith is a southern California native and is now a sitting Community Advisory Board member for the California State Games organization. We spoke with Jesse about his position with the California State Games and why he thinks the organization is important for California's amateur athletes. 

WHAT INTERESTED YOU ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA STATE GAMES TO BECOME A SITTING BOARD MEMBER?


The California State Games has committed to promoting and nurturing the health, education and competitive spirit of California's youth. Just like LA84, Challenged Athletes Foundation, and the 2028 Olympic organization, the Cal State Games organization has a big impact on our youth communities. There's a ton of storied expertise in the rest of the board: Willie Banks, Olympian; Earl Edwards, UCSD Athletic Director; Tracy Lamb, Consultant National Olympic Committees; Buck Martin, City of San Marcos Parks & Recreation; Steve Schell. So my role as an active Olympian has been to say, Yes, to any requests made of me and to remain committed to help in the future. 


WHAT MAKES THE GAMES UNIQUE OR SPECIAL COMPARED TO OTHER SPORTING EVENTS OR ORGANIZATIONS YOU'VE BEEN A PART OF?


I believe Sandi Hill has a long term vision to help youth through shared sporting experience and creating opportunity. She's proven that by remaining committed to implementing her vision for so many years; especially the efforts she and her team have put in during the last four years. That's pretty special and a huge component of why I love being involved in the organization. The organization also hosts a great Opening Ceremonies that really evokes the experience of being in the Opening Ceremonies at the Olympics. I love that feeling of representing something bigger than yourself. It's hard to mimic the Olympics at the local level but the athletes at the Cal State Games get a chance to represent their sport in front of ten to twenty thousand people. It's a pretty special opportunity. 


CLEARLY, SPORTS ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU AS YOU ARE AN OLYMPIAN! WHAT FIRST GOT YOU INTO SPORTS AND SPECIFICALLY, WATER POLO? 


Great question. Sports are important to me because they gave me the opportunity to learn so many things. I've always been a student of the game. As I've gotten older that "game," has really expanded and evolved to be a student of "life." I love seeing sport icons like Bill Walton, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Ryan Nece (UCLA), John Thomas O'Sullivan (San Diego) demonstrate their excellence in careers post sport. Water polo is a great metaphor for business because you are always almost drowning, until you are just crushing and winning everything. It's similar to that. I transitioned from individual swimming into team oriented water polo. Water polo was one of the first team sports in the Olympics. I love the team aspect. 


WHO WOULD YOU RECOMMEND PARTICIPATE IN THE CAL STATE GAMES? HOW COME? 


Cal State Games are so great because they really are available to a lot of athletes. They even have water polo, [laugh out loud]. I love the diversity in the games and the inclusion.  Great stuff really! I think everyone who can participate should go for it, because it's a great way to experience a taste of what the Olympics Games are all about! 


YOU'VE FREQUENTED THE OPENING CEREMONIES A FEW TIMES. WHAT DRAWS YOU TO THIS EVENT, AND DOES IT BRING BACK MEMORIES OF ANY OLYMPIC OPENING CEREMONIES?


Yes, the Opening ceremonies absolutely makes the California State Games unique. I love the experience of meeting so many great people and getting an opportunity to represent your sport and your community. Seeing the teams circle the stadium waving to fans, the live music and speeches, even skydivers flying our flag in! So special! Go USA!


The California State Games is a California-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a quality amateur athletic event to foster the Olympic dream. Your donation will help us continue to provide competitive events for California’s amateur athletes and provide them the Olympic experience. 

National University to Provide 250 Complimentary Entries into 2024 State Games of America, July 17-21 in San Diego for Active Duty Military Members/Dependents

May 24, 2024
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 # #

7 Must-See Beaches in San Diego

April 23, 2024
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!

Eligibility: State Games of America presented by National University

By MIkaela Nadolski • March 6, 2024
Excitement is building for the 2024 State Games of America presented by National University, and a common question we've received is: Can anyone compete? In short, no. The long answer is that you must qualify. Fortunately, there are various ways to qualify, depending on whether you are a California resident or non-California resident for this biennial event. California Resident Since the 2024 State Games of America (SGA) are hosted in San Diego by the California State Games, ALL California residents can register for the SGA just like they would for a normal California State Games. Due to the NCSG Neighboring State Policy, athletes in Nevada (which does not have its own state member organization) also qualify for the 2024 State Games of America. Non-California Resident If you’re an athlete coming from one of the other 30+ National Congress of State Games (NCSG) Member State programs, qualification is more extensive. Here’s how you may have qualified depending on the year you competed in an NCSG Member State program: 2022: All gold, silver, and bronze medalists qualify from NCSG Member State programs, both Winter and Summer. Any medalist from the 2022 SGA held in Ames, Iowa qualifies. 2023: All gold, silver, and bronze medalists qualify from NCSG Member State programs, both Winter and Summer. 2024 (before July 1): All gold, silver, and bronze medalists qualify from NCSG Member State programs, both Winter and Summer. Any medalists from the 2022 State Games of America are eligible to compete in 2024. Sport Qualification Lastly, review the offered sports as the final step to check for qualification. Even if you meet the qualification criteria as a California or non-California Resident, your sport must be offered in the 2024 State Games of America to participate. Each host state determines the sport lineup, so even if your sport was offered in 2019 or 2022 in your home state, it may not be offered in the 2024 State Games of America. This may be influenced by regional or geographic location, facilities, sport directors, and more. If you qualify to compete after reviewing the qualification, visit the registration information as soon as possible.
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