The 42nd Alabama State Games sits less than 100 days away and registration has officially opened for the Olympic-style event set to take over Birmingham and Jefferson County this summer.

This year, the State Games are scheduled for Father’s Day weekend, June 13-15, where the Honoring Our Heroes program will allow athletes to celebrate the father figures who have helped them reach their goals.

Thirty-four scholarships totaling $42,000 will also be up for grabs thanks to the ASF Foundation which has awarded $416,000 across 613 scholarships during its time.

“Registered athletes participating in the Alabama State Games and attending both the State Farm Athlete Leadership Summit and Opening Ceremony on June 13 inside Legacy Arena at the BJCC will be eligible for the scholarship drawings,” a Saturday release says. “Scholarships range from $500 to $5,000 and are available to use at two-year colleges, four-year universities, vocational schools, or technical schools.”

On the field of play, 27 sports are available for athletes and teams to register and fight for gold. New on the docket this year will include competitions in basketball, dance, shooting sports, tennis and wheelchair tennis.

Returning from last year include archery, baseball, baton twirling, beach volleyball, bowling, chess, disc golf, diving, equestrian, judo, Miracle League, ninja challenge, pickleball, powerlifting, soccer, softball, swimming, table tennis, track and field, ultimate frisbee and wrestling, both individual and teams.

All of the events are set to take place in Birmingham and Jefferson County, except for the ninja challenge which will be held at the Ninja Obstacle Academy in Huntsville in honor of the late Jackson Aultman, a past Ninja Challenge Gold Medalist and Athlete of the Year.

“The ASF Foundation continues promoting amateur athletics, physical fitness, and positive youth development through its Olympic-style, multi-sport event,” the release says. “Open to Alabama residents and out-of-state competitors of all ages and abilities, the Alabama State Games inspires personal achievement and community unity through the power of sports.”

Visit alagames.com for more on the 42nd Alabama State Games, including how to register.