Click on the graphic for a larger version of the venues map. STAFF

The schedule was extended from five to 10 days before for the 2001 games to give coordinators more flexibility in scheduling events. That format will continue this year, giving the Augusta community a better opportunity to showcase the area and witness Georgia'sbest amateur athletes.

In the past, many of the athletes had scheduling conflicts between the Georgia Games Championships and their own regional events. This time, fewer conflicts are expected, as event directors have a wider range of choices, in terms of when to hold their championships.

Venues can stage more events than in the past, creating a more convenient atmosphere for athletes, organizers and spectators.

"Logistically, it helps if we use the same venues," said Scotty McDuffy, this year's Georgia Games Championships manager. "... Plus, this gives the public a chance to view more of the competition."

A few of the venues have changed from 1999, and several facilities have been built since then. Venues such as Diamond Lakes Park on Tobacco Road, which opened in November 1999, will allow more events to be clustered into one facility, as opposed to spreading them around the area. Diamond Lakes will be the site of youth baseball and all softball games.

Few changes have been made to the Georgia Games' list of sports in recent years

"We haven't added any more sports since 1999," Georgia Games Executive Director Eric Pfeifer said, "because it actually has become so large that we can only handle so many with the resources that we have."

One event new to the games in Augusta is team handball. The sport was held at the 2001 games and is popular in the Atlanta area, which is supplying the majority of this year's participants. Enthusiasts are hoping to spread the sport's appeal.

"That's one of those events that could maybe spark an interest here," McDuffy said. "We've added that as another option that Augusta-area people have for recreation."

Disc golf will make its second Georgia Games appearance in Augusta.The area boasts three disc golf courses: Pendleton King Park, Riverview Park and Patriots Park, where competition will be heldSaturday.

Arm wrestling is the only sport held in 2001 that was removed from this year's schedule.

AS IT HAS in the past, the Georgia Games is allowing athletes from South Carolina and Tennessee to participate. Greater Augusta Sports Council Director Tammy Stout said the inclusion of the two neighboring states provides some distinct opportunities.

"Because those states do not offer championship programs right now, they can compete in the Georgia Games, which is a wonderful bonus because of our location," Stout said. "Being a border community, there's no reason why we shouldn't have a very healthy delegation from South Carolina."

South Carolina and Tennessee residents competing at the Georgia Games cannot displace a Georgian for a medal, but will receive a medal of their own if they finish in the top three. Many of the sports require an additional $5 fee for out-of-state participants.

"The fee, I think, for being out of state is minimal, given that they wouldn't have that opportunity themselves (to compete), as far as their own state and a games program," McDuffy said. "For Georgia athletes, it gives them a wider field of competitors, so if you come out on the top of your sports competition, not only are you better than anybody that Georgia has, but it could be South Carolina and Tennessee, as well."

In 1999, Georgia Games participation records were set for five sports: archery, boxing, bowling, men's baseball and table tennis. Event coordinators hope to build on that trend this year.

"We have an opportunity to show ourselves off to other parts of the state," said Andy Jordan, event director for the mountain biking race July 21.

The Georgia Games opening ceremonies will beat Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center Friday, starting at 6 p.m. The final day of competition is July 21.