Ahhh, the Games people play.

These Games, the Granite State Games, are a good thing.

Believe it or not, Bishop Guertin High School girls soccer coach Pat Mulcahy’s vision began its fifth year on Monday, giving student athletes a chance at scholarship money (about $4,000 involved) and the chance to be seen by scouts/coaches from 40 colleges and universities, mainly from the east region and New England, according to the list provided on the Games website.

“We’re excited everything is still living and breathing,” Mulcahy said. “It’s great as we keep working at it. There are some very difficult things we still deal with, mainly sponsorships and getting volunteers. Those are the major challenges.”

But they are challenges that Mulcahy & Co. continue to work to overcome. The events this week mainly take place at Southern New Hampshire University and Derryfield School, There are a few other venues such as Canterbury Woods and Pembroke Pines (golf) and Pioneer Sportsman in Dunbarton for the newest sport, archery.

Things have varied over the years. Archery is in this year, baseball is out due, Mulcahy said, some director/coaching health issues but will return next year. Lacrosse has been absent the last couple of years but tennis was added a year ago. Thus the lineup from as many as four regions (Southern, Coastal, Lakes and Monadnock) includes, besides the above sports, softball (which began Monday), girls volleyball, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, golf and field hockey.

There’s plenty of local athletes competing, with some local coaches involved as well.

“That’s the key,” Mulcahy said. “Getting good directors is where it’s really important. We’ve been able to get some really good people involved.”

For the info on who is playing when and where, go to their website or other social media outlets. Happy Year Five to Pat Mulcahy’s Granite State Games.