Pace Clarke Leaves Utah Summer Games
Published: January 11, 2023 | Author: Kenzie Lundberg | Read Time: 2 minutes
Executive Director of the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games, Pace Clarke, has announced he will be leaving the Utah Summer Games to pursue an exciting new opportunity. Hosted by Southern Utah University, the Games have grown significantly under Clarke’s leadership.
“Pace has done an exceptional job directing the Utah Summer Games,” said SUU President Mindy Benson. “His leadership has elevated all aspects of the Games and set the organization up for ongoing success. We wish him the very best.”
As the executive director, Clarke led growth in athlete participation from 8,010 athletes to a record-breaking 10,189 athletes in 2022. He also successfully expanded the operating season from the summer months to year-round activities.
“It has been my privilege to oversee the growth and development of the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games,” said Clarke. “The Games play a significant role in our community, but more importantly they play a significant role in the lives of thousands of people every year as we realize the mission of the games – to celebrate excellence in the human spirit through extraordinary events and competition.“
Clarke enhanced the community experience by building relationships with major local partners including Cedar City, Iron County, and Iron County School District. In addition, his leadership supported increased economic impact for the Cedar City community through new partnerships such as the Iron Games and working with the Utah High School Activities Association to bring the Utah High School State Football and Basketball Championships to SUU.
“The Utah Summer Games is an integral part of Iron County’s visitor economy bringing thousands of athletes and their families to experience an Olympic-style sports competition,” said Maria Twitchell, executive director of Visit Cedar City Brian Head. “Pace has proven himself a great community leader by taking the Utah Summer Games to new heights with additional sports competitions throughout the year, significantly impacting our hotels and restaurants at a time our community can use the influx of business.”
Clarke, along with his wife Amanda and their four children, plans to remain in Cedar City and looks forward to staying involved in the community.
Registration for the upcoming 2023 Utah Summer Games will open on February 1, 2023. This year’s Opening Ceremony will be held Friday, June 9, 2023. For a full schedule of events, visit utahsummergames.org.
As one of the premier sporting events in Utah, the Utah Summer Games is a festival for athletes of all ages and abilities. Since 1986, this event has been conducted at Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah with an average total of 9,600 participants, 50,000 spectators, and 1,200 volunteers in attendance each year. Learn more about the Utah Summer Games.
Tags: Utah Summer Games