"Our focus is always on the athletes that are participating, said Scotty McDuffy, Georgia Games Championships manager. "These are amateur athletes, of all ages and skill levels, and each has chosen to compete."

That's the message Mr. McDuffy wants conveyed in the opening ceremonies, which will include a parade of athletes, event demonstrations, music and dance.

"The theme of the Georgia Games this year is the Freedom to Compete," he said. "We want to communicate a whole patriotic feeling that if you want to compete in a sport, you can. You can pursue your athletic desires."

The Georgia Games Championships encompass 43 sporting events over a period of nine days. The events take place at venues across the city and include sports as commonplace as golf and baseball and as obscure as team handball and and flying disc golf.

Entertainers scheduled to perform include national recording artist Edwin McCain, the Augusta Dance All Stars and Creative Impressions. Event demonstrations will include lacrosse, rowing land drills, fencing and ultimate Frisbee.

"Because part of the ceremony will be broadcast, we wanted to select events that would be appealing to both the live audience and television viewers," Mr. McDuffy said. "We also wanted to illustrate the diversity of athletic opportunities in the state."

Reach Steven Uhles at (706) 823-3626 or steven.uhles@augustachronicle.com.