ORANGEBURG, SC -- Almost 250 youths, representing 25 teams from four states have gathered on the South Carolina State campus for the four-day (May 17-20) AMIKids Experiential Challenge Summer Games, which got underway Monday with an opening ceremony and pep rally at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center.

            Teams, consisting of 10-12 kids each, from South Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana and Florida make up this year's group, which is meeting at SC State for the second straight year, following three years on the Benedict campus.

            This week's schedule will feature competition in track, volleyball, swimming and academics, and will culminate with an awards banquet Thursday at S-H-M.

            AMIKids, headquartered in Tampa, FL, operates in seven states and has been serving inner city youths and their families since 1969. The students participate in motivational activities that are challenging, both physically and academically, and include sports and various academic contests.

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