JENKINS TOWNSHIP, ALZERNE COUNTY (WBRE / WYOU) – Pennsylvania is slowly opening up after a year of closed COVID rules, and on Monday we saw another sign of life.

The Keystone Games are returning to Luzerne County. It’s a chance for the best athletes in the state to show what they’re made of. This year Luzerne County will host 22 sporting events for the 2021 Keystone State Games. Registration officially opened on Monday.

“It is the carrying of the torch, and you know that it reproduces the games, so it gives all children, whatever their level, the chance to experience this kind of competition”, declared Carmina Monaco, president and coach. of the Blue Ridge Figure Skating Club.

The Keystone State Games will return to Luzerne County. Executive Director James Costello made the announcement in Jenkins Township on Monday afternoon.

“We are really delighted to have the opportunity to resume our activities. Back to business here in Luzerne County, ”said Costello.

The premier event in the county is the PA Figure Skating Championship May 8-9 at the Revolution Ice Center. This is where we found 11-year-old Deanna Alston, who was working hard to prepare.

“I am working on my program. Lots of jumps, lots of pirouettes, I’m working really hard. Hope I can do well there, ”said Alston.

On the same ice where Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon won gold at the Keystone State Games in 2000 before becoming an Olympian. Costello says more than 300 athletes have registered to compete.

“I hope I can be an Olympian one day,” said Alston.

The 39th Keystone State Games Sports Festival will take place across Luzerne County from July 29 to August 1, with COVID-19 precautions such as the provision of masks and surveillance capability.

“We need to find all the parents who come to watch the kids, but we’re happy to be able to offer anything. We’re really going through all of the necessary things that we can do to make it happen, ”Costello said.

Visit Luzerne County Executive Director Ted Wampole says this is a great opportunity for the county.

“It creates a great experience for the athletes and their families and the circle has come full circle as participants and visitors to the games support our NEPA activities,” said Wampole.

COVID-19 precautions unfortunately mean skipping some events this year due to the size of the venue or contact between athletes. At the moment, they’re not looking to swim, wrestle, or play basketball.

Keystone State Games has also partnered with Geisinger to ensure the safety of athletes during the games.