Gov. Rick Perry helped open Austin's inaugural X Games on June 5, presenting the medals for the BMX and Skateboarding Vert competitions. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the X Games, and the first time the games have been held in Texas.
"I'm thrilled that the X Games is joining other world-class events like the United States Grand Prix in making Texas their home," Gov. Perry said. "Texas has long been the place people wanted to live and work, and with competitions like this one joining our lineup, alongside Super Bowls, Final Fours and NASCAR races, Texas has proved that this is where people want to play, too."
ESPN announced in 2013 that Austin would be one of six annual stops for the Global X Games through 2017. The games will be held primarily at the Circuit of the Americas, with this year's BMX and Skateboarding Vert events held on Congress Avenue in front of the Texas Capitol.
At the medal presentation ceremony, Gov. Perry was joined by skateboarding legend Tony Hawk as well as officials from ESPN and Circuit of the Americas.
X Games Austin is the latest event to utilize Austin's Circuit of the Americas. Completed in 2012, the circuit has hosted several premier events including America's only Formula One race, the United States Grand Prix.
Perry kicks off Austin X Games, presents first medals
