Pearce "Rocky" Lane, a 1956 Olympic boxer, lit the caldron during opening ceremonies of the 2012 Meijer State Games of Michigan.
KENTWOOD (WZZM) - The best way to describe the "Meijer State Games of Michigan" is to call it - an olympic-style, multi-sport festival.
The third annual event is now officially underway.
Opening ceremonies were Friday night at East Kentwood High School. An estimated 5,000 athletes from all corners of the state of Michigan, ranging from games 4 to 83, will participate in the weekend event.
Some sports like golf and ice hockey got underway before the official opening ceremonies.
The State Games have expanded to 30 events which will unfold at 29 different venues around West Michigan.
When time came to lighting of the caldron, a handful of former Olympians from West Michigan did the honors, with Pearce "Rocky" Lane - a 1956 Olympic boxer - got the honors.
Everything you need to know about the Meijer State Games of Michigan can be found on their website:
stategamesofmichigan.com