(Gainesville, FL) The Gainesville Sports Commission (GSC), hosted the Hershey Track and Field Florida State Championships on June 23rd at the University of Florida's Percy Beard Track. Youth athletes from all over the state competed against the local host team from Gainesville's Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Affairs for a chance at the ultimate prize - a trip to the Hershey Track and Field Games North American Final in Hershey, PA.

The Hershey's Track and Field Games is the longest-running grassroots youth fitness program of its kind in North America. It is designed to encourage physical fitness among youth and emphasize sportsmanship through basic track and field events such as running, jumping, and throwing. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Games.

The GSC, formerly known as the Gainesville Sports Organizing Committee, was able to host this event with the help of the Gainesville Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Affairs department, University Athletic Association and funding through a grant by the Alachua County VCB through the bid and event pool administered by the Gainesville Sports Commission. Nearly 1,200 visitors attended this year's competition including the athletes, coaches, and family members.

"The City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department is happy to be partnering with the Gainesville Sports Commission to host the State Hershey's Track and Field Games.  This is the 1st time the meet will be held in Gainesville.  In the past, the meet was held at far off locations.  Many times kids were not able to compete, due to the added expense of travel" said Recreation Supervisor, Karen Cayson, from the City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs. "Many of the kids in our track program have potential, and this will be the first time that they have seen and ran on a collegiate level track.  It will be a great experience for them, hopefully inspiring them to dream big."

Gainesville's 15-plus athletes joined more than 500 other Florida Athletes from eight Florida cities including: Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami, Boynton Beach, Kissimmee, Melbourne, Daytona Beach and Largo. More local Gainesville youth athletes have participated in this year's Hershey Track and Field Florida Qualifier because the GSC is hosting the event. Only four local athletes participated at the state championships in 2006.

Click here for the results of the Hershey Track and Field Sate Championships in Gainesville.

The 18th Annual Gainesville Sports Commission Golf Classic Committee hopes you will be able to join us Friday and/or Saturday, August 3rd & 4th, for an exciting day of golf, food, prizes, networking, and friendly competition at Ironwood Golf Course! The tournament is the only fundraiser of the year for your local sports commission. Each year we host or assist others in hosting more than 30 events, which create an economic impact of approximately 12 million dollars. The proceeds of this tournament allow us to continue our mission of fostering economic impact and promoting recreational opportunities for Alachua County through quality sporting events!

All Players Receive Lunch from Beef 'O' Brady's, Goodie Bag, Tournament Polo Shirt, Sleeve of Golf Balls and Complimentary Beverages and Beer on the course

Click here to download the GSC Golf Classic Registration Form

Pick pick-up the Gainesville Sports Commission Golf Classic registration packet at either of the two Gainesville Beef 'O' Brady's locations or contact Alex at 352-338-9300 or email: aalston@gainesvillesportscommission.com