BREWER – Alex Smith and Chris Noyes of the Brewer Wrestling Club recently participated in the State Games of America’s National Championships at Hartford, Conn. Both came home with silver medals.

The State Games of America are Olympic-style sports festivals for athletes. The national event is designed to give the athletes an Olympic experience.

Chris Berman, an anchorman at ESPN, opened the ceremonies by “jet packing” around the stadium. The athletes marched by state in the stadium and viewed themselves on large TV screens. The medals and American flag were brought in by parachutes, and activities included fireworks.

The State Games of America support 15 sports, with 41 states participating.

Smith and Noyes had to qualify at the state level in order to compete against other state medal winners and match their skills and competitive desires in a national arena. Maine held its inaugural Maine games in June at the Portland Expo, and became the State Games of America’s 41st participating state.

Smith earned a silver medal in the 107-pound junior high division. Noyes earned a silver medal in the 171-pound high school division.