E-Newsletter / October 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - The Gainesville Sports Commission has finished another successful year of hosting the Gainesville Senior Games sponsored by Shands HealthCare and in association with the City of Gainesville Division of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs. Nearly 300 athletes participated in 12 events during October 18 - 21, in various locations throughout Alachua County. This is the 7th annual year for the Gainesville Senior Games.

Event Highlights from the Gainesville Senior Games:

Kristine Stopka, Track and Field, 53
Kristine competed in nine track and field events and medaled in each event. she received gold medals in six events, 1500M Run, 1500M Walk, 800M Run, Javelin Throw, Shot Put, and Discus Throw.she receive two silver medals in the 400M Dash, and Long Jump.she received one bronze medal in 200M Dash.

Gigi Hubbard, Swimming, 60
Gigi competed in five swimming events.she received four gold medals for 200 yard Backstroke, 100 IM, 200 IM, and 50 yard backstroke.she received one silver medal in 50 yard Butterfly.

John Cornell, Swimming, 80
John competed in four swimming events.he received gold medals in each event. 100 yard IM, 50 yard Breaststroke, 100 Freestyle, and 50 yard Backstroke.

Lisa Atkinson, Cycling, 50
Lisa received gold medals in the 5K and 10K Time Trials.her time in the 5K Time Trial was 8:22.her time in the 10K Time Trial was 16:58.

Plan now to participate in the 8th Annual Gainesville Senior Games scheduled for October 16-18, 2008

Read articles about this year's Gainesville Senior Games from:
The Gainesville Sun and The Senior Times Magazine

 
This Local Senior Games is sanctioned by the Florida Sports Foundation and a qualifier for the Florida State Championships.

The New Year Brings New Bid Pool Opportunities for Sporting Events

The Gainesville Sports Commission (GSC) is responsible for a $110,000 "bid pool" each year to bid for hosting events and pay for costs associated with hosting events. The bid pool is managed through a contract with the Alachua County Visitors' and Convention Bureau to promote tourism through sports while creating a positive community impact on Gainesville and Alachua County. The GSC helps to create an annual economic impact of about $12 million for the local economy. Most of the economic impact GSC makes is due to hotel room nights and out of town visitors' dollars. Since its inception, more than $160 million has been generated in direct economic activity from participants and spectators to GSC hosted and assisted events.

2007 GSC's "bid pool" event's included:

• ASA Pro/Am Archery Tour
• Gainesville Gaviatas Winter Invitational
• Five Points of Life Marathon
• Katsu Challenge Karate Tournament
• 2nd Annual Heart of Florida Airshow
• Hershey Track and Field Florida Qualifier
• Firefighter Combat Challenge
• 7th Annual Gainesville Senior Games

November 2007 Events - Crappie USA Fishing Tournament

December 2007 Events - Gator Swim Club Holiday Winter Classic