Lewis Grizzard Games set for June 22-23-24

From Special Reports

Enthusiasts of sports, journalists, and local celebrities are asked to team up in the new Lewis Grizzard Games 2023 to honor the talented amateur athlete and sports editor from Coweta County who became best known for his pointed opinions, humor, and writing.

To engage many age groups with the author, the Moreland Cultural Arts Alliance, Inc. (MCAA) ,which operates the museum dedicated to Grizzard, inaugurates this new event. The Lewis Grizzard Games 2023 offers fans and average amateur athletes this series of sporting games and competitions, just like Lewis would have played.

As a boy, Lewis relished any game played with a ball. In his youth at high school, he lettered in baseball and basketball at Newnan High School. Organized sports or just pick-up games with his buddies, Lewis never lost his passion for sports. As an adult he was an avid golfer and tennis player. As a journalist, Lewis became the youngest executive sports editor at the Atlanta newspapers at the age of 23.

In partnership with the Coweta County Parks and Recreation Department and the Coweta County Sports Hall of Fame, MCAA hosts this just for summer fun series over a three-day period –June 22-23-24. The event will begin on Thursday at Sprayberry’s BBQ, then conduct the Youth Games on Friday, and finally, the Celebrity and Adult Games are set for Saturday. All games will be played at the Temple Avenue Recreation Complex in Newnan. Admission is free.

Below is the schedule for each day of the Grizzard Games 2023.

Thursday,

June 22

The Games will Kick Off with a celebration at Sprayberry’s BBQ, 229 Jackson Street in Newnan, at 4 p.m. The celebration will give visitors a chance to hear from some of Lewis’ friends about his childhood and love of all ball games, enjoy music, and enter drawings for prizes.

For those who enjoy nostalgia, they can compete in a “Best Dressed 1950s-60s” costume contest. Three winners will receive a variety of prizes from local businesses. Diners can purchase delectables from Lewis’ favorite BBQ restaurant, Sprayberry’s BBQ which according to Lewis is “simply the best barbeque joint on earth.”

Friday,

June 23

The Youth Games will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Temple Avenue Recreation Complex of the Coweta County Parks and Recreation Department. It is located at 39 Hospital Road. Young ballplayers, ages 10-15, will compete in softball and basketball games and various competitions. No skill level required. These games are just for fun. The games are free. All players must register to play by visiting

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