The latest local news, weather and high school sports in and around Columbia and Jefferson City

Hot temperatures have produced dangerous conditions for athletes at this year’s Show-Me State Games.

More than 7,000 athletes and their families are in Columbia for the first weekend of the largest state athletic games in the country.

Emergency health care workers are making sure competitors stay cool and drink plenty of water.

The hot sun has athletes at this year’s Show-Me State Games in danger of heat exhaustion, dehydration and heat stroke.  Emergency medical teams are standing by for any health-related problems.  Members of the Columbia Raiders tackle football team are prepared for the hot temperatures.  Candance Miller is keeping a close watch on her 10-year-old son Jevean Brown.

Miller said, “A water cooler is what I brought for my son.  They provide drinks, water and ice towels so the kids can cool off, also.”

Show-Me State Game volunteers face a constant battle to quench everyone’s thirst.  On average, they give out about 600 gallons of water in 35 coolers in just one day.

Athletes aren’t the only ones needing extra water this weekend.  Health officials want to remind everyone to stay hydrated whether you’re on the playing field or you’re in your backyard garden.

Show-Me State Games Executive Director Ken Ash said, “We have both University Health Care and Boone Hospital Center that are providing health care.  We’re in good shape there.  That’s what makes our state games better than anywhere in the country.  It’s the medical care that we have.”

So far, there have been no serious heat-related problems for athletes, umpires and officials.  Thousands of athletes and their families will return to Columbia during the last 2 weekends of July for the second and third final weekends of the 2012 Show-Me State Games.