West Virginia International Sports Jamboree kicks off Friday

From left, heading to the finish line in the 40-yard dash with helpers were David Beegle of Sandyville and Benjamin Childers of Clarksburg in a past International Sports Jamboree at North Bend State Park. The 2024 Jamboree opens Friday evening with the main events starting on Saturday. (File Photo)

Staff Report

CAIRO — The West Virginia International Sports Jamboree kicks off Friday evening at North Bend State Park where mobility and visually impaired participants will take the field in numerous endeavors.

Friday’s activities feature a free concert by the Midnight Outlaws, a Ritchie County-based southern rock band, with the bulk of the events starting at 9 a.m. Saturday at the park, according to Kathy Hess, chairman of the Jamboree.

The International Sports Jamboree is for wheelchair and visually impaired participants.

Among the events are basketball, a 40-yard race, horseshoes, bicycling, bowling, basketball Frisbee and mini golf, Hess said.

Shooting hoops between events were brothers George Nemeth, left, and Dalton Hughes, right, both of Elizabeth, at the International Sports Jamboree in 2017. (File Photo)

More than 100 volunteers will help about 35 participants on Saturday, but more volunteers would be appreciated, Hess said.

“It takes a lot of people to run it,” she said.

Volunteers can call Hess for more information at 304-838-2868 or email her at kke8837@yahoo.com.

Among the main organizers and sponsors are the New Vision Pioneers, New Vision Pioneers Chapter 42, AT&T Pioneers No. 126, staff at North Bend State Park and contributors who sponsor participants in the Jamboree, Hess said.

Opening ceremonies are scheduled at 6 p.m. Friday at the amphitheater. Entertainment starts at 7 p.m.

Canadian Sabrina DiVizio, of Brampton, Ontario, reacts during the basketball toss in the 2017 International Sports Jamboree at North Bend State Park. The Jamboree opens Friday evening with a free concert and the main competitions are on Saturday. (File Photo)

The Midnight Outlaws were formed in 2018. Playing under a carport, the weekend crowds got bigger, so they organized into the Midnight Outlaws and performed around the state.

The band has opened for the Kentucky Headhunters, Confederate Railroad and country music performer Wade Hayes and in 2022 released an album, “A Girl Like You.”

Members of the band are: Nathan Hardbarger, drummer and vocals; Michael Collins, rhythm guitar and vocals; Jason Bryant, lead guitar and vocals; and Zach Collins, bass guitar.

Competitions will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday following opening ceremonies that will include a presentation of colors, an honor guard and the Pledge of Allegiance and an introduction of participants and welcome by Kelsey Gilbert, superintendent and park ranger at North Bend State Park.

The awards ceremony will be held at the conclusion of the games. A talent show and dance for the participants will be held after the ceremony. The International Sports Jamboree Award and King and Queen will be announced at the ceremonies.

From left, Nathan Hardbarger, Michael Collins, Jason Bryan and Zach Collins of the Midnight Outlaws. The Ritchie County band will perform Friday at the International Sports Jamboree at North Bend State Park at Cairo. (File Photo)

In addition to volunteers, anyone wanting to donate items for participant goodie bags or refreshments for the hospitality also can contact Hess. Sponsorships also are being accepted for the next Jamboree in July 2025.