Athlete of the Year
The ShopRite Nutmeg State Games Athlete of the Year Program
All across the nation in State Games from Maine to California, amateur athletes of all ages and skill levels compete to bring home the gold. Every year, a few rise to the top, excelling in their events, overcoming great hardships, displaying tremendous sportsmanship, athleticism and determination. The ShopRite Nutmeg State Games are designed to promote healthy active lifestyles in their athletes, as well as foster leadership and sportsmanship skills. Each summer, thousands of athletes of all ages and skills levels travel from all areas of Connecticut to participate in numerous team and individual sport competitions in state games events.
Every year the ShopRite Nutmeg State Games recognize outstanding individuals that have excelled in their events, and showed the spirit of the “Games” both on and off the field of play. The Athlete of the Year Committee will receive Nominations from Coaches and Parents until December 30th. After all nominations have been submitted, the Athlete of the Year Committee will meet to determine a Athlete of the Year. The Athlete of the Year will be presented with the award at our annual Director’s Banquet held at the Aqua Turf Club in late February. The Athlete of the Year will also be our guest at various events throughout the year.
Many years have come and gone with the Nutmeg State Games but one thing has remained the same, it’s mission statement.
- To recognize and reward Connecticut residents, of all ages, who have chosen to participate in healthy, wholesome activities that reflect positively on them, their families and respective communities.
- To promote and reinforce the Olympic spirit of Competition that values sportsmanship, effort and achievement.
- To motivate personal development in physical fitness and health through attainable goals.
- To provide a forum that initiates and encourages camaraderie between different ages, socioeconomic and cultural groups through athletic competition and fair play.
NOTEWORTHY FEATURES
OLYMPIC MODEL
Few events in Connecticut embody the spirit and values of amateur athletics like the Nutmeg State Games. Team sports are configured regionally in an attempt to eradicate town rivalries and promote collaborations among participants. Inner city and suburban participants are merged together and opponents become teammates and friends.
SPORTSMANSHIP
Poor sportsmanship in youth sports jeopardizes the core values and benefits of amateur athletics. The “Games” strives to eliminate improper actions of athletes, coaches and parents by emphasizing sportsmanship in all events through a program that recognizes and rewards positive behavior.
AFFORDABILITY
While the “Games” are similar in nature to other events that provide valuable exposure to college coaches, a unique feature is the significantly lower cost for the participants. The average Entry Fee is $31.00 per participant and has only increased by $11.00 in 29 years.
SUSTAINABILITY
The “Games” have remained viable for twenty-four years in good and bad economic times due to strong leadership from its Board of Directors, an experienced and dedicated staff and carefully developed relationships with athletes, facilities, athletic administrators and officials across Connecticut.
VOLUNTEERISM
Each year 1,000 volunteers come together to help unite Connecticut through amateur athletics. Volunteers range from coaches, referees, officials, sport coordinators, interns, and medical staff members. Our substantial volunteer support from numerous organizations allows more funds to be spent on the athletes.
TESTIMONIALS
“As a physical education teacher and former collegiate coach I have many times heard the expression “its not what effect that the youngster has on the ball but what effect the ball has on the youngster.” It is my impression over the years that the Nutmeg State Games has a very positive effect on the thousands of participants each year. I am proud to have been part of the program.
Charles L Dennis – Swim Meet Director – Former Head Swim Coach, United States Coast Guard Academy
“The Nutmeg State Games mean so much too so many people in Connecticut. It’s given thousands of kids a chance to compete and have fun—what sports should be all about.”
Kevin Nathan, Sports Anchor, WVIT NBC 30
“The Nutmeg State Games offer the opportunity for young and old to come together as a community to compete, renew acquaintances and witness inspiring players and competitors from all aspects of life! As a high school and club coach in Connecticut, it’s exciting to see the fieriest of competitors playing alongside their rivals, as teammates. It opens the door for new levels of respect as well as a better perspective of the role of athletics in life.”
Jaye Stuart – Field Hockey Coach (West Region) – Connecticut Revolution Field Hockey Club
“It’s an honor for our players to have the opportunity to compete in the “Games” every year representing their families and community through sport. Everything about the Nutmeg State Games is first-class.”
Michael Church – Baseball Coach (North Region) – New England Knights Baseball Program
“Avon has participated the last 3 years in both Lacrosse and Hockey in the Nutmeg State Games. We have appreciated the spirit of “competitive” play but the constant reminder of good sportsmanship from the CSMG administration has made it very rewarding for all participants.”
John McCormick – Lacrosse & Ice Hockey Coach (West Region) – Avon
“Since the Nutmeg State Games have come back to New Britain our organization has participated in the basketball tournament each year. The Nutmeg State Games have been a great event for us to end our Summer basketball season. The Nutmeg State Games have also been great for the city of New Britain, this is one of the best run events we participate in each year.”
Mike Jones – Basketball Coach (North Region) – CT Heat Girls Basketball Program
“My inline hockey program has spent the last 10 years working with the Nutmeg State Games and have found that participation in the Nutmeg State Games tournament has not only been rewarding but it has proven to be a great learning experience for many of our young athletes. Through the tremendous efforts of the Nutmeg State Games organizers, they have fostered an environment of fair and level competition. Each year when our program is putting the new season together, we begin with circling the dates for the Nutmeg Games. Pride is measured in many ways and our experience has shown that taking home the coveted Nutmeg State Games GOLD MEDAL ranks at the top of the list of accomplishments.”
Jay Creel, Founder & Director FireAnts Youth Hockey Program
“To me the Nutmeg State Games represents all that is good in youth sports. Unlike AAU, the cost is extremely low so anyone can play. It also, often brings kids together who may not typically play together as they band together to represent their region of the state. While being extremely well organized, the Nutmeg State Games at the same time are not bogged down by a ton of rules and regulations – they are constantly trying to find ways for inclusion, not ways to keep people out. The kids that I have coached still remember all of the great teams, venues and games that they played, win or lose with great fondness”
Jim Welton, Girls Basketball Coach (West Region) – Southbury
