Who is Virginia Amateur Sports? Virginia Amateur Sports (VAS) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, incorporated in 1989, that directs several events annually with a focus on living a healthy lifestyle and competition, including the Virginia Commonwealth Games. Since their inception, the Games have drawn over 310,000 athletes.
The mission statement of VAS is: To promote awareness and the benefits of physical fitness and healthy lifestyles through sports education, training & competition. Virginia Amateur Sports is a member of the National Congress of State Games (NCSG) and is sanctioned and recognized by the NCSG, the Virginia High School League (VHSL), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and recognized by the United States Olympic Paralympic Committee as a member of their Multi-Sports Organizational Council. The annual Games are Virginia’s largest multi-sport festival featuring 30 sports and 10,000 athletes of all ages and abilities. 73% of the athletes are 18 and under, helping generate over $6 million in annual economic impact. The Games are a grassroots event supported by local and statewide businesses and over 800 volunteers. The Games bring amateur athletes from all regions of Virginia together to contend for gold, silver, and bronze medals. Both team and individual events - including archery, baseball, basketball, track & field, and many others - are represented in the competition. The Virginia Commonwealth Games encourage teamwork, leadership, and good sportsmanship, challenging both accomplished athletes and beginners to bring their best. Weekend warriors, Olympic hopefuls, and aspiring athletes will all find their place at the Games. Funding
In 1990, when the Games started, VAS had secured a $175,000 grant from the state to launch the Games. By 2001, VAS lost all state funding. Despite the loss of state funding, VAS preserved and expanded its staff and programs. In 2006, Southern Health/Coventry Health Care signed on as the title sponsor of the Games and other sponsorships began to increase. With zero funding from the state, local governments increased their financial support in addition to providing fields and facilities. VAS keeps the cost to participate in the Games minimal, with the majority of funding coming from sponsors. In 2011, Southern Health Coventry Health Care had to step down as our title sponsor due to new health care laws and regulations. Subway of Virginia was proud to announce their partnership as the title sponsor of the Games, now officially known as the Subway Commonwealth Games of Virginia. In 2015, Subway announced the end of its contract as title sponsor. Liberty University served as the title sponsor of the Games from 2016-2025. Support
With its dedication to a tradition of excellence & with a staff of four, VAS relies heavily on outside support. That support includes 1,000 volunteers, 60+ volunteer sport coordinators, a volunteer local organizing committee made up of 15 individuals with representatives from the City of Lynchburg, City of Lynchburg Parks & Recreation, Liberty University, other business professionals, volunteers from the medical profession field, security and police departments, and the VAS board of directors. Contact Us
email - info@commonwealthgames.org |