If you go to the Tropical Games
By: Sharon Robb, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Thursday, July 21, 2005

When: Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m.

Where: South Florida Fairgrounds Exhibition Center, 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach.

How to get there: Take Florida Turnpike to Southern Boulevard exit, head west 1.5 miles to Sansbury Way, the fairgrounds are on the right. Or, take I-95 to Southern Boulevard exit, head west and follow the above directions.

Background: The multisport festival features emerging elite athletes of all ages. The games attract state and national competition. There are plans to include other countries over the next five years.

Who is eligible: The Tropical Games are open to all male and female athletes that meet the requirements of their sport's national governing body.

Admission: $5 for spectators. Free to coaches, athletes and children 12 and under. Registration is still open. Call 561-233-3123 or go to www.palmbeachsports.com.

Sport-by-sport

BOXING

Saturday and Sunday, noon.

Check-in and weigh-in is 8-10 a.m. each day. Medical exams are 9:30 a.m. Open to youth, open and Junior Olympic boxers. Boxing makes its debut.

CHESS

Saturday, 9:30 a.m.

Check-in for Bughouse is 8:15-9:15 a.m. and Blitz at 1 p.m.

FENCING

Saturday, 10 a.m.

Check-in is 9 a.m.

JUDO

Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.

Check-in and weigh-in are Friday 4-9 p.m. and Saturday 8-9 a.m.

KARATE

Saturday, 9 a.m.

Check-in is 7-8 a.m.

POWERLIFTING

Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Check-in and weigh-in for all female and male 114-181 pounds is 7-8:30 a.m. and male 198-pounds is 11 a.m.

TABLE TENNIS

Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m.

Check-in is 8:30 a.m.

TAEKWONDO

Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.

Check-in is 9 a.m.

WEIGHTLIFTING

Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.

Check-in and weigh-in are 8 a.m.-3 p.m. for various weights for male and female.

WRESTLING

Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.

Check-in and weigh-in 8-8:30 a.m.