When the Alabama State Games kicked off in Birmingham this June, the Alabama Broadcasters Association (ABA) used the ceremony to celebrate a true pillar of the Commonwealth – Ron Creel Sr. The association named him its 2026 Citizen of the Year, a tribute that underscores his decades‑long dedication to youth athletics, community cohesion, and the state’s Olympic‑style multi‑sport tradition.
From a Governor’s Call to a Statewide Legacy
In 1982, then‑Governor George Wallace relayed a request from the United States Olympic Committee to Alabama businessman Ronald J. Creel Sr. The committee wanted a grassroots sports movement that could give Alabama’s children a chance to compete, develop character, and experience the camaraderie of organized sport. Creel answered the call, founding the Alabama State Games – one of the nation’s earliest state‑wide amateur competitions.
Growth That Mirrors Alabama’s Spirit
What began as a modest gathering of 600 athletes across four sports has blossomed into a massive showcase of 4,200 athletes competing in 25 sports as of 2025. The Games now stand as Alabama’s largest Olympic‑style, multi‑sport event, providing a vital platform for youth development, community unity, and statewide athletic opportunity.
Why the Citizen of the Year Award Matters
The ABA’s Citizen of the Year award is intended to honor “a citizen of Alabama for distinguished and honorable public service, and outstanding contributions to the well‑being, prosperity, and progress of the state.” Creel’s record fits that description perfectly. Over four decades he has not only overseen the Games’ expansion but also championed academic scholarships, averaging $13,800 in awards each year – a total of $468,000, more than any other state games program.
Philanthropy and Olympic Heritage
Beyond the Games, Creel’s influence reaches into broader sporting history. He played a pivotal role in bringing Olympic soccer to Alabama during the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, further cementing the state’s connection to the global sporting community.
Community Recognition
Following the Birmingham ceremony, the ABA honored Creel again at its 80th Anniversary Reception in Tuscaloosa last week. The repeated recognition reflects a deep appreciation from Alabama’s broadcasting community for a man whose vision has helped countless families experience the benefits of organized sport – from character building to healthy competition.
What This Means for Alabama Families
For parents, coaches, and local leaders, Creet’s acknowledgment serves as a reminder that private initiative, when guided by a commitment to faith, family, and liberty, can produce lasting public good. The Alabama State Games continue to offer a wholesome, family‑friendly environment where children can grow physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Looking Ahead
As the Games prepare for the 2026 season, organizers are already planning to expand participation, add new sports, and increase scholarship funding. With Creel’s example as a guiding light, the event is poised to keep strengthening Alabama’s youth and reinforcing the values that make our communities thrive.
Congratulations, Ron Creel Sr., on a well‑earned honor and for your unwavering service to the Commonwealth.
Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.
