Virginia Amateur Sports Inc.

The mission of Virginia Amateur Sports Inc. (VAS) is to promote awareness and benefits of physical fitness and healthy lifestyles through sports education, training & competition. VAS directs more than eight events throughout the year, including the Virginia Commonwealth Games at Liberty University, the largest multi-sport festival held in Virginia each year. VAS is active with Special Olympics, partnering with other local charities for events and tries to play an active role in the community. Virginia Commonwealth Games at Liberty University Launching its 35th year, this annual event is held in July (for most sports). This multi-sport festival is supported by a grassroots volunteer network, businesses and governments of the Lynchburg area. The Games have an estimated $4+ million economic impact on the area annually. Attracting more than 260,000 athletes, their families, plus spectators over the past 33 years, this competition features 45+ individual & team sports including basketball, softball, swimming, and more. The Games are open to all ages and skill levels for any resident in Virginia and surrounding states without a State Games.

With the Games each year, we host a Kids Clinic for inner city children that is presented by an Olympian or well known athlete. The Clinic encourages the children to be active, providing them with additional opportunities, as well as providing a message of overcoming obstacles to achieve goals.

The past few years we have partnered with Blue Ridge Area Food Bank to help raise money or bring in donations at events to support local families in need.

Our Story of Origin

In 1989, the Governor's Commission on Sports & Physical Fitness passed an endorsement that VAS would serve as the state organization to hold the State Games of Virginia. In 1992, the Games were officially called the Commonwealth Games of Virginia and in 2006 were renamed the Coventry Commonwealth Games of Virginia, a reflection of a new title sponsor of the Games. In 1990, the initial Games drew 4,400 athletes competing in 29 sports. In 2015, over 55 sports were offered with approximately 9,200 athletes. In October 2011, the Games were renamed once again to the Subway Commonwealth Games of Virginia thanks to the title sponsorship of Subway. In October 2015, the Games were renamed once again to the Virginia Commonwealth Games at Liberty University thanks to the title sponsorship of Liberty University and many of the sports were moved to the Lynchburg area or Liberty's campus with the sponsorship.

Credentials

VAS is a member of the National Congress of State Games (NCSG) and is sanctioned and recognized by the NCSG, the Virginia High School League (VHSL), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and by the United States Olympic Committee as a Games participant. Funding With zero funding from the state, local governments increased their financial support in addition to providing fields and facilities. VAS keeps the cost to participate in the Games minimal, with the majority of funding coming from sponsors. We are so appreciative of our corporate partners. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact us! Support With its dedication to a tradition of excellence & with a staff of four, VAS relies heavily on outside support. That support includes 1,000 volunteers, 50+ volunteer sport coordinators, a volunteer local organizing committee made up of 15 individuals with representatives from the City of Lynchburg, Lynchburg City Parks & Recreation, Liberty University, other business professionals, volunteers from the medical profession field, security and police departments, and the VAS board of directors. Our greatest need is for partners to help us provide opportunities to economically disadvantaged athletes and opportunities for athletes of all ages to stay active and healthy!