E-Newsletter / December 2007

The Gainesville Sports Commission, in association with the University of Florida Men's and Women's Rugby and the Gainesville Hogs Rugby teams hosted a two-day stay, of the New South Wales Under 19 Men's Rugby Select Side.  The team is coached by David Conyers.  The team members are from communities outside, but surrounding Sydney, Australia.

A delegation of 30+ athletes, coaches, chaperones and support staff toured the SE US during their break in school.  December in the US is summertime in Australia.  The athletes toured and played in the Atlanta area for five days prior to their arrival in Gainesville on the afternoon of December 2.  During their stay here they participated in sport and social exchange program with local ruggers prior to traveling to Sanford, Florida to compete against the South Rugby Union Under 19's-a team of high school and collegiate athletes from Florida and Georgia.

Scheduled activities included a BBQ cook-out, tour of Ben Hill Stadium and Florida Field, a  tour of the UF campus, and a scrimmage and practice with members of the Florida Men's and Gainesville Hogs Rugby players.  Players and the support group with the New South Wales team will stay in area hotels and with local rugby players as part of an international cultural exchange.

The other three events scheduled during the weekend included the Gator Swim Club Holiday Swim Classic (Stephen C. O'Connell Center), the Newberry Recreation Department Winter Baseball Invitational (Diamond Sports Park and Newberry Recreation Department fields), and the Gainesville December Duel (hosted by the Gainesville Fencing Club at the MLK Multi-Purpose Center).  Nearly 4,800 visitors were expected to attend these three events during November 30-December 2.

The weekend's events were funded by the Alachua County Bid Pool Grant Program, which is administered by the Gainesville Sports Commission. The Gainesville Sports Commission is a not-for-profit organization that promotes tourism through sports, creates a positive impact on Gainesville and Alachua County, and supports recreation and physical health. Since its inception, more than $160 million had been generated in direct economic activity from participants and spectators to GSC hosted and assisted events.

December 2007 Events
1-2	Gator Swim Club Holiday Winter Classic
7-8	Men's JUCO Santa Fe CC Shootout
14-15	Women's JUCO Santa Fe CC Shootout
27-29	Kiwanis of Gainesville/McGriff State Farm Insurance Girls Holiday Basketball Tournament

January 2008 Events
3-5	Gainesville Soccer Alliance Bobcat Invitational
12	Tour de Felasco
	GSC Annual Banquet
31	Archery Shooters Association Florida 3-D Pro Am