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Teen Talent, an international competition for teens ages 13-19 and sponsored by the Church of God, was staged at Lee University where more than 4,000 guests came from out of town to the local campus.

“The Teen Talent program is more than a competitive event; it is a ministry of love and guidance for Church of God students and a huge investment back into local church congregations and ministries,” said Tom Madden, Church of God international director of Youth and Discipleship.

Traditionally, Teen Talent was closely connected to the Church of God General Assembly, held every two years. Two years ago church leaders voted to move and conduct the competition in Cleveland with the hope and intention of being effective stewards of limited resources.

Approximately 3,500 to 4,000 participants, chaperones, parents and friends were part of the Teen Talent 2011 experience with thousands staying and dining in on-campus facilities, as well as dozens of hotels and restaurants around the city. In addition to performances during the day, evening activities included a block party, rally and “wipe-out” competition.

According to local businessman and civic leader Mr. Dale Hughes, “Events such as these have a tremendously positive impact on the local Cleveland/ Bradley County area. Numerous businesses benefit by virtue of the dollars spent in local restaurants, hotels, retail shopping, et cetera.”

“As a City Councilman, I am appreciative of the Teen Talent event and the efforts of those who bring such great events to our community,” Hughes added.

This year marked the 50th anniversary of Teen Talent in the Church of God which has helped produce many gifted musicians, pastors, writers and leaders throughout the church world.

“Some 750 individual and group entries advanced to Nationals,” Madden stated. “Nearly 2,000 individual students sang, played, acted, taught, quizzed, produced, wrote or created amazing art! Thirty-one U.S. states or regions and international countries were represented, including Canada (Eastern and Quebec), Jamaica, England/Wales (UK), Bahamas, Trinidad, Romanian Territory (Nashville), Puerto Rico and Haitian Churches from Florida.

Teen Talent was staged in the following divisions: Art, Bible, Creative Writing, Drama, Music and Multi-Media. Categories of competition were held at the North Cleveland Church of God and multiple locations across the Lee University campus. The climactic awards festival took place outdoors on the veranda of the new Science and Math Complex on Saturday evening, Aug. 6 where approximately 4,000 cheered and celebrated. More than 1,000 hits per day were noted on the “Internet live stream” of the competition sessions.

The 2011 International Teen Talent Competition Winners & Superiors List is available for viewing on the Youth and Discipleship website, as well as highlight photos at www.cogyouthanddiscipleship.org or www.cogyouth.org.