From left, Sandyville’s David Beagle and Clarksburg’s Benjamin Childers, with helpers, run toward the finish line in the 40-yard dash during a past International Sports Jamboree at North Bend State Park. The 2024 jamboree kicks off Friday night with the main event starting Saturday. (File photo)
Staff Report
CAIRO — The West Virginia International Sports Jamboree kicked off Friday night at North Bend State Park, with physically and visually impaired participants competing in a variety of events.
Friday’s event will feature a free concert by the Midnight Outlaws, a Southern rock band based in Ritchie County, with the bulk of the action starting at 9 a.m. Saturday at the park, according to Jamboree Chairwoman Cathy Hess.
The International Sports Jamboree is open to participants who are wheelchair or visually impaired.
Hess said events will include basketball, 40-yard racing, horseshoes, bicycle racing, bowling, basketball-Frisbee and mini-golf.
Elizabeth’s brothers George Nemeth (left) and Dalton Hughes (right) play basketball during a break in competition at the 2017 International Sports Jamboree. (File photo)
More than 100 volunteers are expected to assist about 35 participants Saturday, but more volunteers would be welcome, Hess said.
“It takes a lot of people to run it.” She said:
Volunteers can call Hess at 304-838-2868 or email him at kke8837@yahoo.com for more information.
Hess said key organizers and sponsors include New Vision Pioneers, New Vision Pioneers Chapter 42, AT&T Pioneers Chapter 126, North Bend State Park staff and donors who sponsor jamboree participants.
Opening ceremonies are scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m. in the amphitheater. Entertainment will begin at 7 p.m.
Sabrina Divisio, a Canadian from Brampton, Ontario, reacts to a basketball toss during the 2017 International Sports Jamboree at North Bend Provincial Park. The jamboree kicks off with a free concert on Friday night, with the main competition taking place on Saturday. (File photo)
The Midnight Outlaws formed in 2018. They were performing under a carport and the weekend crowds started growing, so they formed the Midnight Outlaws and played around the state.
The band has opened for Kentucky Headhunters, Confederate Railroad and country music performer Wade Hayes, and released an album in 2022. “A girl like you.”
The band members are Nathan Hardberger on drums and vocals, Michael Collins on rhythm guitar and vocals, Jason Bryant on lead guitar and vocals, and Zach Collins on bass guitar.
Competition will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, preceded by an opening ceremony that will include the presentation of the flag, a guard of honor, the Pledge of Allegiance, introductions of participants and a welcome from Kelsey Gilbert, North Bend State Park Superintendent/Park Warden.
The awards ceremony will take place at the end of the tournament. After the ceremony, there will be a talent show and dance by the participants. The International Sports Jamboree Awards and King and Queen will be announced at the ceremony.
From left, Nathan Hardberger, 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 in Cairo. (File photo)
In addition to volunteering, those who would like to donate items for goodie bags or snacks to host attendees are also welcome to contact Hess. Sponsors are also being sought for the next Jamboree in July 2025.
