MERIDIAN, MS – State Games of Mississippi participant Wyatt Benvenutti, who plays junior high baseball, has been named the National Congress of State Games Youth Athlete of the Year. A native of Bay St. Louis, Wyatt achieved this honor after being named the 2026 Ochsner Rush Health Youth Athlete of the Year in a recent ceremony here.
The National Congress of State Games (NCSG) is an American nonprofit sports association, consisting of 27 full members divided into three regions, of which the State Games of Mississippi is member. NCSG members run 26 Summer Games and a number of winter games The NCSG is part of the United States Olympic Committee and organizes the State Games of America, an Olympic-style multi-sport event in which athletes who have won a medal in their home state’s Games are eligible to compete.
“We are so excited that one our own, Wyhatt, has been selected as a national Athlete of the Year,” said Missye Dozier, Executive Director of the Games. “Wyatt embodies the spirit of our competitions and brings wonderful recognition to himself and our state.”
Wyatt Benvenutti
Wyatt Benvenutti, who plays junior high baseball, overcame a serious injury to continue to play and to win. This Bay St. Louis native was involved in a baseball-related accident in 2024 that left him permanently blind in his right eye. After three surgeries and six months of recovery, he worked tirelessly to adapt to his vision loss, rebuild his depth perception, and return to the game “he loves,” he said. “No matter what challenges I face, my faith reminds me that the accident is only part of my story and will never define my future.”
The 13-year-old attends St. Stanislaus Junior High School and has been playing baseball for eight years, competing in the State Games of Mississippi for the past two years. In 2026, Wyatt helped lead his team to a gold medal while posting an impressive .400 batting average, 3 RBIs, 2 runs scored, and 2 stolen bases.
“Ever since I was young, baseball has been a huge part of my life,” Wyatt said. “I still remember one day I woke up and asked my dad if he would go outside and throw the baseball with me. From that moment, I fell in love with the game.”
About the State Games of Mississippi
Now in its 35th year, the State Games of Mississippi continues to provide premier athletic competition for amateur athletes from across the state, featuring more than 41 individual and team sports.
The Games officially kick off with a high-energy Opening Ceremony in downtown Meridian, featuring the Parade of Athletes, the ceremonial lighting of the State Games flame and a spectacular fireworks display.
The State Games of Mississippi is committed to keeping participation affordable for athletes through the generous support of sponsors. Founding Gold Sponsors include Meridian Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Ochsner Rush Health. Gold Sponsors include Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, the City of Meridian, Coastal Television of Meridian, Mac Haik Automotive, Meridian Community College, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians & Pearl River Resort, The Paul and Sherry Broadhead Foundation and WTOK-TV.
For more information, visit www.stategamesofms.org.