Each summer, more than 20,000 athletes compete in more than 40 events in the GAMES.  Annually, only two athletes receive the GAMES highest honor – Missouri Lottery Male and Female Athlete of the Year.

The Show-Me STATE GAMES has been recognizing a male and female athlete of the year since 1994.  The criteria for selection of the Athlete of the Year award includes:

• attitude and effort
• the representation of the spirit of amateur athletics and the State Games movement
• overall athletic participation and achievement.

In addition to Athletes of the Year, the Show-Me STATE GAMES also recognizes a Missouri Lottery Male and Female Sportsperson of the Year.  The purpose of the Sportsmanship Award Program is to encourage and promote the principle of good sportsmanship by recognizing athletes who embody this principle.

Kimberly Earnest and Frederich Garver were the 2017 Missouri Lottery Athletes of the Year.

Frederich Garver, Columbia, tied for first in the 40-49 M disc golf competition with a score of 113. The sports commissioner Bob Heyn said, “Fred is a true champion. He has fought and overcome cancer on more than one occasion. He has lost his voice but not his smile or spirit. Not to mention he is a great golfer and good person.”  Kimberly Earnest, Columbia, finished first in her age division (F 35-39) in the triathlon and fourth overall.  She missed tying the SMSG games record by .6 of a second.

The 2017 Sportsmanship honorees were Jason Snell and Helena Slusarz.

Jason Snell, Centralia, displayed admirable sportsmanship and he also helped run the rifle and pistol shooting matches with scoring and assisted as a range safety officer and goodwill ambassador.  Helena Slusarz, Columbia, fought in a mixed division of Judo competitors, most out-weighing her and some having more experience. Her attitude off the mat was happy and friendly but on the mat she was a strong and serious competitor.

See more photos from last year’s presentation on our Facebook page. 

“The Missouri Lottery is honored to sponsor the Show-Me STATE GAMES and honor a male and female athlete and sportsperson of the year,” said May Scheve Reardon, Executive Director of the Missouri Lottery. “These athletes have worked hard to achieve their goals and help promote physical fitness across Missouri. Supporting the Show-Me STATE GAMES is another way the Lottery can Play It Forward for Missouri education.”

You can view the archive of Athletes of the Year.

Each fall, we recognize the Missouri Lottery Athletes of the Year, Sportsmanship honorees as well as our Gary Filbert Hall of Honor inductees before a Mizzou football game.