Show-Me State Games makes vaccines available as event attracts thousands

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Show-Me-State Games are back this year after canceling last year's events, and this year the Columbia/Boone County Health Department will be offering vaccines on Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday the health department will be hosting multiple on-site vaccine clinics from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Sunday the vaccine clinics will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, July 17

Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services staff members will be at multiple Show-Me State Games locations on Saturday, July 17. The list of locations and times are below.

• Cosmo Park at the Rainbow Softball Center, 1615 Business Loop 70 W., Columbia - 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Cosmo Park entrance, 1615 Business Loop 70 W., Columbia - 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Columbia Sports Fieldhouse, 4251 Philips Farm Road, Columbia - 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Holiday Inn Executive Center- Columbia Mall Expo Center - 2200 Interstate 70 Dr. SW, Columbia - 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sunday, July 18
Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services staff members will be at multiple Show-Me State Games locations on Sunday, July 18. The list of locations and times are below.

• Cosmo Park at the Rainbow Softball Center, 1615 Business Loop 70 W., Columbia - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Cosmo Park entrance, 1615 Business Loop 70 W., Columbia - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Columbia Sports Fieldhouse, 4251 Philips Farm Road, Columbia - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sara Humm, with the Columbia/Boone County Health Department, said one of the main goals of the department is to make vaccines available and accessible to as many people as possible.

"This is another way for us to meet that goal, to make sure that folks have access to the vaccine in a way that's convenient for them, especially for families that are coming in," Humm said.

Humm said anyone 12 and older can get the vaccine this weekend. She said those between 12 and 17 will need parental consent.

The Show-Me-State Games are an Olympic-style festival hosting over 40 games and competitions for the 37th year in Columbia.

The events go from Friday to Sunday morning this week, and more games will take place next weekend.

Dave Fox, the 10-year long director of the games said they are grateful to be able to support the vaccination effort.

"Any chance we can get to get families vaccinated, of course, we want to do that. We've been working with the health department for a while now and it's a partnership we are really happy to be a part of," Fox said.

Fox said this weekend is a great time for friends and families to come out for a friendly competition.

"Our mission is to promote fitness, health, family and fun for all Missourians regardless of age or ability," Fox said.

Fox said they were able to pull off the event with the support from the community, and several sponsors and volunteers.

Randa Rawlins, the President and CEO of Shelter Insurance Companies said their partnership with the Show-Me-State games gives them the chance to demonstrate their partnership with the games and encourage people on the importance of fun, family and fitness.

Rawlins said one of the key things this year is bringing the games back to Columbia to support the economic vitality of the city.

"They missed it last year, and it's important to have that economic boost for our restaurants and our hotels and other businesses to have all of those people coming in from all over the state," Rawlins said.

Rawlins said they expect thousands of people from across the state to attend the games.

The games will be following the health department's COVID-19 guidelines.