Leading up to the State Games of America, the economy weighed on the minds of many event officials.

They wondered if the number of athletes who attended would decline and whether those who did show up would boost the local economy.

Their uncertainties were put to rest Sunday afternoon as some of the final numbers were tallied. More than 9,800 athletes from 43 states participated in the Games while event officials estimated the economic impact at $11 million.

“We were worried at first because we didn’t know what kind of effect the economy was going to have,” said Mike Moran, director of communications at the Sports Corp. “But we’re extremely happy with the turnout.

“I was having lunch Friday at a sushi bar on Tejon (Street) and I saw a table with about a dozen figure skaters. That’s when I knew we were going to be OK.”

With so many athletes, 31 sports and venues throughout the region, it took a monumental effort to pull off the four-day event.

Moran estimated that more than 900 volunteers assisted while 75 commissioners manned the specific sports, handling calls asking for everything from the venue location to good places to eat. Altogether, Moran said it took about 1,200 people to put on the events.

Suzanne Gerdes, one of the track and field commissioners, joked that she’s been working about 20 hours a day through the Games — not much of a stretch.

“I’ve had 15-hour workdays since the Games started,” the Colorado Springs resident said. “My phone hasn’t stopped ringing, but some people travel far to get here so I didn’t mind answering any questions they have.”

Gymnastics commissioner Gary Gonzalez, who also worked at the Games  in 2005 and 2007, said he noticed the economy’s effect on his sport.

“We had 11 states represented this year, but one team from Pennsylvania said they brought twice as many athletes with them last year,” he said. “Despite the numbers being down, I still think the Games are getting better every year.”

Since the Games came to town in 2005, more than 30,000 athletes have competed while an estimated $33 million has been poured into the economy.

San Diego will play host to the Games in 2011, but Moran said the Sports Corp. plans to bid on the 2013 event.

“We’re extremely happy with the way we’re turning over the Games to San Diego,” he said. “Everyone here gave their all to the Games since we first hosted them in 2005, and I hope they decide to come back.”

Tom Schmidt went for a dig during the State Games Division A men’s beach volleyball finals competition at Memorial Park in Colorado Springs. Photo by COLE W. EBERLE, THE GAZETTE