Competition highlights have included record-breaking performances in bowling and powerlifting. Krista Williams, a powerlifter from Atlanta, set an American teen-age record Saturday by bench pressing 185 pounds in the women's super heavyweight division. David Sizemore of Rome, Ga., bowled the first 300 game in the history of the Georgia Games on Sunday."

"For most of the kids who watched, it's the first time they've ever seen someone bowl a 300," said bowling director Bob Cook.

The opening ceremonies ran smoothly, and showed Augusta visitors some of the city's character.

"It was a special program," said Tammy Stout, executive director of the Greater Augusta Sports Council. "It was true to form of the Olympic ceremonies, and it shared the flavor of the community."

Registration figures are not available yet, but organizers hope to match the 10,000 athletes who competed in the 1999 games that were held in Augusta.

Turnout was below what event directors had hoped for in a few sports, such as fast-pitch softball and canoeing/kayaking, which was canceled due to low numbers. But many of the sporting events were saved by the last-minute influx of same-day registration entries. And with popular sports such as swimming and track and field holding their championships this weekend, organizers are confident that participation will increase.

"Some of the sports were finding out that the entrants were notoriously late registering," said Scotty McDuffy, Georgia Games Championship manager. "Getting a lot of last-minute entries helped us boost the numbers."

The shift from a five-day to a 10-day event since the games were held in 1999 has given spectators an opportunity to watch a wider variety of sports.

Reach Lane Kramer at (706) 823-3425.