TOPEKA, Kansas (AP) The Sunflower State Games have started in Topeka, with a record 43 athletic events being held over three weekends.

The games, in their 20th year, are amateur athletic competitions in numerous sports for athletes of all ages.

Executive director Mitch Gross says despite the nation's economic woes, more competitions were added, advertising wasn't down as much as expected and early registration was even with last year.

"I was obviously a little bit concerned with how the economy was going to impact us, but it's looking pretty good," he said.

The games run through July 26. They are being held in Topeka for the eighth year, after a dozen years in Lawrence.

The Athlete Festival is scheduled for July 17 at Hummer Sports Park, where the torch for the games will be lit.

The new events include fencing, gymnastics, junior rodeo, paintball and strongman.

The event usually attracts about 6,000 participants. In 1990, the first games offered 14 sports and attracted 2,381 participants.

"Our goal is to provide as many opportunities as possible for people to get out and participate and be active," Gross said. "We try to do something for all ages and all skill levels."

Some events are for less serious athletes. An essay contest, which the Kansas Department of Health and Environment sponsored through its HealthKansas program, is part of the games.

Lawrence first-grader Nathan Williams was declared one of the winners after writing about why tofu is a healthy food to eat.

Zac White, 12, of Emporia, was the other winner. He wrote about shopping for and cooking a healthy meal featuring lemon chicken penne pasta with his 19-year-old sister.

"My sister and I both play sports and know that staying healthy is important," he wrote. "Eating healthy makes a big difference in running, jumping and over-all athleticism. It's even better when healthy food is this fun to make and tastes great."