Floridians win medals at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore

 

Florida's three Florida amateur athletes representing the Sunshine State at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, brought home medals in Basketball and Track and Field. The U.S. Team will include 82 athletes competing in 18 sports during the 2010 Games, held August 14-26.

 

Amber Henson, a resident of Odessa, who plays basketball for Sickles High School in Tampa, won a bronze medal for the 3-on-3 competition.  Robin Reynolds, a track and field athlete from Miami, who attends William Turner Technical Arts High School won a gold medal in the 400 meter run.   She also won a gold medal as a member of the medley relay team.

 

The Youth Olympic Games is an international multi-sport event held in conjunction with the International Olympic Committee that takes place every four years consistent with the current format of the Olympic Games. The Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games run from Aug. 14-26, 2010, with an expected 3,600 athletes from 205 countries participating. The sport program will encompass all 26 sports featured at the 2012 Olympic Games.

 

Henson, playing a unique three-on-three format, was a member of the bronze medal winning team that defeated Canada in its final game.  Henson, a senior for the 2010-11 season, earned All-America status as a junior, averaging 22.1 points per game last during the 2009-10 season for Sickles High School, which finished the season with a 23-3 record before falling in the second round of the post-season State Tournament. 

 

Reynolds won the 400 meter run by a half-second and was a member of the medley relay team that ran 100, 200, 300 and 400 meters.  Reynolds was the team's anchor, running the final 400 meters.  For her performance at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games, Reynolds was named USA Track and Field (USATF) Athlete of the Week for August 26.

Margot Samson, a member of the Clearwater Community Sailing Center, competed in 11 Windsailing events and finished in 16th place.  She is a junior-to-be at Palm Harbor University High School and started windsailing only two years ago.

The athletes competing in the 2010 Youth Olympic Games range in age from 14 to 18 years old.  In all, the U.S. Team will consist of athletes in 18 sports: aquatics (swimming and diving), archery, badminton, basketball, boxing, equestrian, fencing, gymnastics, judo, modern pentathlon, sailing, table tennis, taekwondo, track & field, triathlon, volleyball, weightlifting and wrestling.

Grant program to honor Florida Synchronized Swimming icon Mary Rose

 

To keep the spirit of Mary Rose, the 30-year Sunshine State Games Synchronized Swimming Sport Director, alive, the United States Synchronized Swimming Foundation and Florida Sports Charitable Foundation have partnered to create the Mary Rose/Sunshine State Games Grant program.

 

The program is available solely to Florida Synchronized Swimming organizations.  It will be funded on an annual basis by the proceeds from the Synchronized Swimming Competition at the annual Sunshine State Games.

 

“Mary Rose was not just a major influence on the sport of Synchronized Swimming and the Sunshine State Games,” said Stephen Rodriguez, Vice President of the Florida Sports Foundation.  “She was a wonderful person, who always greeted you with a smile.  She was an outstanding role model for her athletes and for anyone coaching youth in any sport.  It is our honor to be able to carry on her contributions to the sport of Synchronized Swimming.”

 

Rose, of Altamonte Springs, was a force in the advancement of Synchronized Swimming not only in Florida but on a national level.  She was the Coach and Founder of Team Orlando Loreleis, a team which has been producing nationally-recognized champions for over 20 years. A former U.S. National Champion in duet and a Grand Masters competition title winner, Rose was recognized internationally for her synchronized swimming and coaching prowess. She toured the world as a featured soloist and choreographer with the International Water Follies. 

 

She was the Synchronized Swimming Sport Director for Florida’s Sunshine State Game from its inception in 1980 until her death in 2009.  On a national level, Rose served as a USA Synchronized Swimming Association Chair and was on the Site Selection Committee for the organization’s six annual national competitions.

 

“Mary Rose always wanted to build the sport and when I think of Florida synchronized swimming, she’s the first name that comes to mind,” said Kay Davies, Secretary/Treasurer of the USA Synchronized Swimming Foundation and also a member of the USA Synchronized Swimming Board of Directors for many years.

 

“This grant will hopefully build the sport in Florida by working with the smaller teams and groups to educate and train their coaches. I know Mary would be thrilled that this is happening.  Her heart and soul went into synchronized swimming. “

 

Requests for funding through the Mary Rose/Sunshine State Games Grant Program should be made for short-term projects leading to self-sustaining programs, educational programs to develop athletes and/or coaches, or projects promoting the growth of synchronized swimming.  Grant Request Applications and General Information is  available on the United States Synchronized Swimming Foundation Website (http://synchrofoundation.com/) for download.

 

The first grants will be awarded at United States Aquatic Sports National Convention in Dallas, September 14-19, 2010.

 

At the 2010 Sunshine State Games, a total of 247 Florida synchronized swimmers competed over three days in Gainesville.  At the end of each day, the newly created Mary Rose High Point Award was presented to the Novice, Intermediate and Age Group team compiling the most points based on top finishes.

FSF awards $95,000 in regional grants to 11 Florida sports events

 ~ Upcoming granted events will bring over 61,000 visitors to Florida –

 

The Florida Sports Foundation (FSF) awarded 11 regional grants totaling $95,000 to sporting events throughout the State of Florida at its June, 2010 Quarterly Board of Directors meeting. The sale of professional sports team’s license plates throughout the state provides the source of funding for the FSF Board to award funds to statewide sports commissions hosting the events.

 

The 11 regional grant events are expected to bring over $30 million into Florida’s economy and over 61,000 visitors to the Sunshine State between July and December, 2010.  Seven different areas of the state benefitted from the FSF Grant Program and nine individual sports and a multi-sport event were represented among the current grantees. 

 

Sporting events bring additional tourism to Florida causing a significant out-of-state economic impact on an annual basis. Since 1996, the FSF has been assisting communities around the state in their efforts to attract sport events and opportunities. The June, 2010 disbursement of regional grants was the fourth and final of the FSF 2009-10 fiscal year.

 

In the 2009-2010 fiscal year, which ends June 30, FSF awarded 35 regional grants totaling  $374,000.  Combined, the grants have a projected out of state economic impact of over $107 million and over 189,000 visitors to the State.

 

Full listing of Grants awarded by the FSF at June Board of Directors meeting:

 

  ** USSSA Boys Basketball National Championship, July 2-5, Cocoa Beach

  ** USA Track & Field - 2010 NACAC Championships, July 9-13, Miramar

 **  US Open Junior Judo Championships, July 15-22, Fort Lauderdale

 ** AAU 11 and under Division I Boys Basketball National Championship, July 18-24, Cocoa Beach

 ** AAU 11 and under Division II Basketball National Championship, July 18-24, Cocoa Beach

 ** AAU Baseball (Div. I & II- 15U, 16U & 17-19U) National Championships, July 25-30, Cocoa Beach

 ** High School National Championships (Series of 5 national high school championships), June 17-20, 24-27; July 22-24; August 16-21, Bradenton

 ** USSSA Military Extravaganza (Double elimination softball tournaments), August 12-16 and 18-22, Panama City Beach

 ** IWLCA Presidents Cup Lacrosse Tournament, November 20-21, Naples

 ** USL SoccerFest, November 18-23, Tampa

 ** 2010 American Youth Football & Cheer National Championships, December 4-11, Kissimmee and Orlando

 


FSF announces new Executive Committee

 

The Florida Sports Foundation announced a new executive committee at its recent Board of Directors meeting held in Orlando, June 18.  The new executive committee members will serve two-year terms through 2012.

 

Taking the lead role for the Florida Sports Foundation as its Chair, is Tom Wasdin of Cocoa.  Wasdin has been a member of the FSF Board of Directors since 2003.  He has been chairman of the FSF Grants Committee for the last two years.

 

Currently, Wasdin (pictured at left) is President and CEO of Wasdin Associates, Inc., a real estate commercial and residential company in Cocoa.  Wasdin served as President of Florida AAU and also served on the Space Coast Tourist Development Council for over 20 years. In addition, he was instrumental in forming the Space Coast Sports Commission.

 

Wasdin was the head basketball coach at Jacksonville University from 1970-1973 and guided the Dolphins to two NCAA tournaments and an NIT berth. Previously, his role as Assistant Coach and Head Recruiter, helped land the team at the 1970 Final Four where the Dolphins played UCLA in the championship game.  Wasdin has the highest winning percentage of any Jacksonville University Basketball Coach.

 

Wasdin was inducted into the College of Health & Human Performance Alumni Hall of Fame at the University of Florida in April of 2009, and recently enshrined in the Jacksonville University Athletics Hall of Fame in April of 2010.

 

Assuming the role of Vice-Chair is Dr. Joanne Fava, of Chiropractic Sports Medicine in Venice, who recently served in the At-Large position on the Executive Committee and her affiliation with the Florida Sports Foundation dates back to 2006.  Dr. Fava is also the Past President of the Florida Chiropractic Association Sports Council, Past President of the United States Sports Chiropractic Federation, is involved with the International Softball Federation as a Medical Advisory Board Member.  Along with her partners, she has been very instrumental in the advancement of medical coverage at sporting events around the world.  Besides her Chiropractic involvement with the USA Triathlon, she also competes regularly in area triathlons.

 

Rounding out the officers of the FSF for the next two years are two former Chairs of the Board, Jeffrey M. Adams, of Abbey, Adams, L.L.P., in St. Petersburg (Chair 2006-08), is the new secretary and Dave Almstead, of XOS Digital, Inc., (Chair 2000-02), assumes the role of treasurer.

 

The new At-Large member of the FSF Board is Rick Nafe, Vice President, Operations/Facilities of the Tampa Bay Rays, who serves for Principal Owner Stuart L. Sternberg.

 

Also joining the FSF Board of Directors, as the representative of Florida’s 21 sports commissions is Jack Hughes, of the Gainesville Sports Commission.  Hughes is now in his 14th year as the Executive Director of the Gainesville Sports Commission. Hughes, and the Gainesville Sports Commission, recently worked alongside the Florida Sports Charitable Foundation presenting the Sunshine State Games Summer Games Festival in Alachua County.  Over 2,300 amateur athletes competed in 11 sports over three days in Alachua County, June 11-13.



Sports Stars Shine as New Florida Sports Hall of Fame Building Debuts

Several Hall of Fame Members on Hand for Grand Opening in Auburndale

 

The Florida Sports Hall of Fame has found a new home in Polk County and it will open in grand fashion on June 22 as the building at the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale that will house memorabilia from some of the biggest stars Florida sports has ever known officially opens.

 

The Grand Opening and ribbon cutting of the Florida Sports Hall of Fame was June 22 at the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale and was followed by the induction of the 2010 Florida Sports Hall of Fame Class that evening at The Lakeland Center.

 

Hall of Fame members appearing at the event included: Bobby Allison, Donnie Allison, Doug Sanders, Charlie Owens, Don Garlits, Fran Curci, Jimmy Carnes, Roger Strickland, Hubert Green, Pat Borders, Catie Condon and Ruth Alexander. “We are so excited to be able to share this grand opening with the Hall of Fame members, the people who make this new building what it is,” said Florida Sports Hall of Fame Chairman, Rick Dantzler. “This promises to be a star-studded, memorable event for everyone who attends,” Dantzler added.

 

Following the grand opening, four new members will be inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame. The 2010 Florida Sports Hall of Fame class consists of Lake Wales native and baseball standout Pat Borders, Olympic gold medalist Catie Ball-Condon, long time sports columnist Jack Hairston, who will be inducted posthumously, and professional golfer Hubert Green.





Miami a part of formal U.S. bid to host 2018 or 2022 FIFA WORLD CUP™

The MIAMI Host City Bid Committee, led by its Chairman, Commissioner Jose "Pepe" Diaz, and Executive Director, Mike Sophia, announced today that the USA Bid Committee has formally submitted the United States bid to host the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup™ at a ceremony at the FIFA Headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland.  Included in the five volume, 1,250-page document is a section on Miami, which is one of 18 cities that have been presented as a proposed site in the bid.

"This is a historic day for the sport of soccer in this country, and it is a historic day for our community as we take another important step towards hosting the FIFA World Cup™ in Miami," said MIAMI Host City Bid Committee Chairman and County Commissioner Jose "Pepe" Diaz.  "We are proud of the effort of our committee, the USA Bid Committee, our elected officials and everyone in this community that have worked so hard to support the bid, it is a major accomplishment."

Each city section features an overview of the city, demographics, climate, stadium information, training sites, soccer history and sustainability.  Sun Life Stadium, the proposed site for World Cup games in Miami, was listed in the bid book with a capacity of 80,240, which means Miami meets the minimum requirement of 80,000 to potentially host the Opening Match or Final Match.  MIAMI Host City Bid Committee officials and Sun Life Stadium worked closely with the USA Bid Committee to develop a temporary seating plan that could position Miami as a potential option for the opening or finals.

Additionally, the Miami Beach Convention Center was presented as a potential site for the FIFA World Cup™ Final Draw, which would be held in December, the year prior to the World Cup.

"Our committee has been committed to providing all of the local resources possible to present the best possible bid on behalf of the United States," said Mike Sophia, Executive Director of the Miami-Dade Sports Commission and the MIAMI Host City Bid Committee.  "We worked very hard with the stadium partners and the USA Bid Committee to get a temporary seating plan that gives the U.S. bid an additional stadium to meet the 80,000 requirement, and we certainly feel like Miami would be a fantastic place to be for the Draw in December."

The United States is among nine candidates bidding to host the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup™, along with Australia, England, Japan, Netherlands-Belgium, Portugal-Spain, Qatar, Russia, and South Korea.  FIFA will select the host countries for 2018 and 2022 on December 2, 2010.

Miami is among 18 cities included in the U.S. bid.  It is expected that 12-15 of those cities would ultimately be selected to host a portion of the 64 matches to be played as a part of the FIFA World Cup™.  If the United States wins the bid, it is expected that the final list of host cities would be determined approximately five years prior to the event.

An important element of the effort locally continues to be an online petition drive to show support for the United States bid to host the FIFA World Cup™.  The MIAMI Host City Bid Committee continues to encourage everyone in South Florida to visit www.gousabid.com/Miami to sign the online petition supporting the bid to bring the FIFA World Cup™ to the United States and Miami.

"The petition drive is huge," said Commissioner Diaz, "we want to be the first community to exceed the 50,000 mark, which has been our goal from the start."
Florida Spring Training sets record with more than 6,600 fans per game

 

Governor Charlie Crist announced an average of 6,640 fans attended the 33-day Florida Grapefruit League schedule, setting a new record for per game attendance.  During the 2010 Florida spring training, 215 games were played in 14 different locations. 

 

”This year's record setting numbers are exciting as baseball's spring training is an important component of Florida’s economy, and a major part of our annual $36 billion sports industry," said Governor Crist. "Spring training generates an economic impact of more than $752 million a year in Florida and is vital during the historic economic times we now face."

 

From March 2nd through April 3rd, a total of 1,427,627 fans watched the 15 teams comprising Florida's Grapefruit League.  The record-breaking per game average of 6,640 fans per game, surpassed the previous per game average high of 6,478, set during the 2008 season.  A total of 19 games* were cancelled due to rain, the most since the 2005 season when 24 games were not played because of weather.   

   

While 12 of the 15 teams holding spring training in Florida saw per game attendance totals increase, the largest was posted by the Baltimore Orioles, in their first season at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota.  The Orioles enjoyed a 33 percent increase in per game attendance, from 4,588 fans per game to 6,815.  The Orioles also showed a 28 percent increase in total attendance from 2008, as a record-setting 102,219 fans attended 15 games

 

Four more teams established per game attendance highs.  The Philadelphia Phillies drew an average of 9,452 fans per game at Bright House Field in Clearwater.  The Minnesota Twins drew more than 8,000 fans per game for the first time as an average of 8,055 fans were on hand at Hammond Stadium for 13 games.  The Tampa Bay Rays set new marks with 6,531 fans per game at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte and 97,971 total attendance at 15 games.   The Toronto Blue Jays were limited to 11 games due to three rainouts, but still set a record of 4,777 fans per game at Dunedin Stadium.   

 

(* The total attendance was compiled from daily box scores by the Florida Sports Foundation, the official sports promotion and development organization of the State of Florida, and verified by each team.)

 

Other 2010 Florida Spring Training Highlights and Notes

  • On Friday, March 26, the Boston Red Sox hosted their 100th consecutive sellout, against the Toronto Blue Jays, at City of Palms Park in Fort Myers.  The streak dates back to the 2003 season and currently stands at 104 consecutive sellouts. 

  • The Houston Astros/New York Yankees game on Saturday, March 20, had an announced attendance of 7,020, the first 7,000 plus crowd in the history of Osceola County Stadium.

  • There were no available seats in Joker Marchant Stadium on Saturday, March 28.  Nearly 10,220 fans, an all-time Lakeland record, watched the Yankees edge the Tigers, 2-1.  This number topped the previous high of 9,781 against Cleveland in 2008 and gave the Tigers four of the five biggest crowds in Lakeland history despite one of the coldest springs ever.

  • In addition to having the highest home total attendance with 158,611 fans at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, the New York Yankees provided the season high attendance for seven road opponents (Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays). 

  • When the full slate of Florida spring training games were cancelled due to rain on Friday, March 12, it was the first time since March 9, 2005, all games in the state were rained out. 

Team by team individual attendance figures


Atlanta Braves, Disney's Wide World of Sports, Lake Buena Vista

14 games (two cancellations); 106,065 total attendance; 7,576 average per game

Largest crowd: 11,112 vs. New York Yankees, Tuesday, March 30

 

Baltimore Orioles, Ed Smith Stadium, Sarasota

15 games (one cancellation); 102,219 total attendance; 6,815 average per game

Largest crowd: 8,208 vs. New York Yankees, Monday, March 29

 

Boston Red Sox, City of Palms Park, Fort Myers

16 games; 123,997 total attendance; 7,750 average per game

Largest crowd: 8,225 vs. St. Louis Cardinals, Monday, March 8

 

Detroit Tigers, Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland

15 games (one cancellation); 112,560 total attendance; 7,504 average per game

Largest crowd: 10,219 vs. New York Yankees, Saturday, March 27

 

Florida Marlins, Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter

15 games; 72,574 total attendance; 4,838 average per game

Largest crowd: 7,627 vs. Boston Red Sox, Tuesday, March 9

 

Houston Astros, Osceola County Stadium, Kissimmee

15 games (one cancellation); 59,784 total attendance; 3,986 average per game

Largest crowd: 7,020 vs. New York Yankees, Saturday, March 20

 

Minnesota Twins, William Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers

13 games (one cancellation); 104,712 total attendance; 8,055 average per game

Largest crowd: 8,272 vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, Thursday, March 18

 

New York Mets, Digital Domain Park, Port St. Lucie

17 games; 84,707 total attendance; 4,983 average per game

Largest crowd: 6,803 vs. Detroit Tigers, Saturday, March 13

 

New York Yankees, George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa

15 games (three cancellations); 158,611 total attendance; 10,574 average per game

Largest crowd: 11,083 vs. Philadelphia Phillies, Thursday, March 26

 

Philadelphia Phillies, Bright House Field, Clearwater

14 games (one cancellation); 132,331 total attendance; 9,452 average per game

Largest Crowd, 10,724 vs. New York Yankees, Monday, March 22

 

Pittsburgh Pirates, McKechnie Field, Bradenton

14 games (one cancellation); 68,184 total attendance; 4,870 average per game

Largest crowd: 6,053 vs. Boston Red Sox, Wednesday, March 24

 

St. Louis Cardinals, Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter

14 games; 96,910 total attendance; 6,922 average per game

Largest crowd: 8,129 vs. New York Mets, Saturday, March 20

 

Tampa Bay Rays, Charlotte Sports Park, Port Charlotte

15 games (one cancellation); 97,971 total attendance; 6,531 average per game

Largest crowd in Port Charlotte: 7,834 vs. New York Yankees, Friday, March 19

Overall largest crowd:  13,133, vs. New York Mets, Friday, April 2 (Game played at Tropicana Field)

 

Toronto Blue Jays, Dunedin Stadium, Dunedin

11 games (three cancellations); 52,550 total attendance; 4,777 average per game

Largest crowd: 5,516, vs. New York Yankees, Thursday, April 1

 

Washington Nationals, Space Coast Stadium, Viera

12 games (three cancellations); 54,452 total attendance; 4,538 average per game

Largest crowd: 6,286, vs. St. Louis Cardinals, Sunday, March 14

 

2010 Florida Spring Training Totals

215 games; 1,427,627 total attendance; 6,640 average per game

  


Golf brings $13.8 billion annually to the state of Florida

SRI International. This is an outside firm that was commissioned by Golf 20/20 for the Florida Golf Impact Task Force.

The newest Florida economic impact study for golf was released by Golf 20/20 at the PGA Merchandise Show in January, with Governor Charlie Crist present.

More information about the survey's findings, compiled by SRI International, commissioned by Golf 20/20 for the Florida Golf Impact Task Force, can be found at http://www.golf2020.com/economicresearch.aspx and find the link to Florida.
 
Among the findings in the report include:
 
-Florida has the largest direct golf economy in the U.S.
-The Florida golf industry generated a total economic impact of $13.8 billion supporting over 167,000 jobs with $4.7 billion of wage income
- In 2007, Florida's direct golf economy of $7.5 billion made golf comparable to amusement and theme parks ($4 billion); medical equipment and supplines manufacturing ($4.4 billion); agricultural products ($7.8 billion) and hotels and motels ($$11.2 billion)
- Florida's 1,287 golf facilities served 1.7 million in-state golfers and hosted 37.9 million rounds
-1 in 85 Floridians work in golf with a total of 167,000 jobs
More than $300 million is raised annually for charitable causes through golf in Florida
-Golf generates $170 million annually in tourism and is associated with more than 5.4 million visitor days
-Florida's 1,128 courses, 75 stand-alone ranges and 84 miniature golf courses generated more than $3.4 billion of revenues (this is comparable to the combined revenues of all other major spectator sports - auto and horse racing, football, basketball and baseball.




Patrice Hirr and John Shultz named 2009 Florida Senior Games Athletes of the Year
~ The pair will be honored at Ambassadors for Aging Day at the Florida Capitol ~

An athlete with an 18-consecutive years medal winning streak and a record-breaking swimmer highlight the 2009 Florida Senior Games State Championships Athletes of the Year selections.

 

John Shultz (on the left in photo), a table tennis player from Inverness, won a gold medal in singles table tennis to extend his streak of winning Florida Senior Games State Championships medals dating back to 1993.  It is the longest consecutive years medal winning streak of any athlete in the State Championships history.  Patrice Hirr, a swimmer from The Villages, went six-for-six in her events, winning six gold medals and setting six age group records. 

 

Shultz and Hirr were selected from among over 1,800 athletes who competed in the 2009 Florida Senior Games State Championships last December in Lee County and the City of Cape Coral.  The pair were presented with their awards at Ambassadors for Aging Day, at Florida’s Capitol, in Tallahassee, on March 10.

 

With a gold medal in 2009 in the men’s singles 70-74 age group, it was his 12th overall gold medal and 10th in singles competition.  He has now won gold medals in four different age groups with his first coming in the 55-59 age group.  The 73-year old Shultz, has also played Florida Senior Games State Championships golf.

 

Hirr (on right in photo) won six gold medals and set six new records in the 60-64 age group over two days at the Florida Gulf Coast University Aquatic Center.  Her medals came in the Backstroke, Butterfly, Individual Medley and Freestyle events.  Her record setting time in the 100 yard butterfly was 15 seconds faster than the previous records.  The six record-setting performances came after total knee replacement surgery in July, 2009.

 

Hirr has spent most of her life in aquatics as a collegiate athlete at Central Michigan Univeristy, a high school swim coach in Grand Blanc and Flint Township, Michigan, an aquatics director at Genesys Athletic Club in Grand Blanc, and master’s swimmer.  She set records in the 55-59 age group at the 2006 Games and won two bronze medals at the 2007 National Senior Games.

 

Florida Senior Athletes are currently qualifying for the 2010 Florida Senior Games State Championships at various locations around the state.  The 2010 State Championships will be held December 4-12, for a fifth and final year in Lee County and the City of Cape Coral.  The 2010 Games are a qualifier for the 2011 National Senior Games, to be held in Houston, Texas, during the summer of 2011.


Previous Florida Senior Games State Championships Athletes of the Year

1994 - Doris Prokopi, Land O’Lakes; Wayne Wakefield, Bradenton

1995 - Mary Melehan, Englewood; Leonard Stone, Barefoot Bay

1996 - Hope Fage, Largo; F.L. McFadden, Lakeland

1997 - Ethel Lehmann, Largo; Seymour Duckman, Daytona Beach

1998 - Lucia Schatteleyn, Englewood; Donald Ritenour, Belleview

1999 - Patricia Bond, Bradenton; Gordon Johnson, Dundee           

2000 - Erika Messner, Clermont; Al Treichel, Spring Hill

2001 - Sperry Rademaker, Floral City; Howard Hall, Port Charlotte

2002 - Janice Lathouwers, The Villages; Allen Bjork, Sebring

2003 - Madelaine Cazel, The Villages; James Anderson, New Port Richey

2004 - Lillian Webb, Sebring; Harry Carothers, Pinellas Park

2005 - Patricia Sargeant, Melbourne; Andy McGuffin, Umatilla

2006 - Sari Kisbany, Redington Shores; Roger Gentilhomme, Dunedin

2007 - Claudette Braswell, Lake Wales; Larry Wallen, Jacksonville

2008 – Suzy Nothhouse, Estero; Dean Davis, Fort Myers

 

 

Germain Family earns Sunshine State Games Athlete of the Year

 

While family competition is constantly growing in Florida's Sunshine State Games, Polk County’s first family of Judo, the Germain family (Brian, Chris, Katie and Kelly) has been a constant in the annual Judo competition since 2000.  For their ongoing support and success in the Games, they have been named the 2009 Sunshine State Games Athletes of the Year.


 Back Row (L-R) County Commissioners Sam Johnson, Randy Wilkinson, Bob English, Ed Smith and Jean Reed

Front Row (L-R) Summerlin Academy commandant, Colonel (Hon) Michael R Butler, Chris Germain, Kelly Germain, Katie Germain and Brian Germain

The Germain family was recognized Tuesday morning at the Polk County Commission Meeting for their efforts from more than 8,000 athletes competing in 2009 Sunshine State Games competitions including the Summer Games, which were held in Polk County, June 12-14.  More than 4,500 amateur athletes participated in the Summer Games in Polk County.

 

Each member of the family played a part in the Sunshine State Games Judo competition in 2009 from start to finish.  From recruiting competitors, to venue setup, to technical assistance at the scoring table to competition, and winning matches and medals on the mat, Brian, Chris, Katie and Kelly Germain were invaluable to the success of the Judo event in 2009.

 

“The Germain family has been crucial to the success of the Sunshine State Games Judo in Polk County for the last couple of years,” said Fred Hand, the Sunshine State Games Judo Sport Director and friend of the family.  “Each member of the family and the club members from Summerlin Judo, where Brian is an instructor, have helped with the event and making it run successfully.”

 

Brian and his daughters competed in Sunshine State Games judo for the 10th consecutive year in 2009 and he has served as the local Judo chairman since the Games have been held in Polk County. 

 

Brian Germain, a fourth degree black belt who has traveled the world competing in judo competitions, is now an international coach and instructor at Summerlin Judo in Lakeland.  Germain won a 2009 gold medal in the Master's Division, 100kg weight class in an epic battle and “gripping clinic” with John Fiege, another international judoka, from Jacksonville.

 

Germain, 50 years old, checks in at 6-4, 205 pounds while Fiege is 42, 6-8, 220 lbs.  Germain  went through the bracket winning five matches and losing one.  The division came down to a best of three match with Brian winning first and third matches for the gold medal.

 

Equally competitive in this judo family are Brian’s two daughters, Katie and Kelly.  Katie has competed in the Sunshine State Games nine of the last 10 years.  In 2000 she won her first Sunshine State Games gold medal in the Junior Division, 6-8 years old, 41-50 lbs.  In her Sunshine State Games career she has won six gold medals and three silver medals. 

 

At the 2009 Sunshine State Games, she won the gold medal in the Juvenile Division 54-61kg weight class and was named the Most Outstanding Junior Female Performer of the competition.  Following her Sunshine State Games performance, Germain won a bronze medal at the USA Judo Junior Olympic National Championships in late-July at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex. 

 

"I can definitely say Katie is in the mix as one of the top girls in the country right now," Coach and father, Brian said following the competition. "She has been training very hard and continues to develop and perform well. As she matures, I'll be looking for a lot more out of her."

 

When not on the judo mat, Katie also competes in Track and Field and Freestyle Wrestling.

 

Kelly Germain, a Sunshine State Games competitor since 2003, won three matches to take the gold medal in the Female Intermediate 2 (Age 11 and 12), 50kg weight class at the 2009 Games.  She has won four gold and four silver medals competing in the last seven consecutive Sunshine State Games since.  She began competing in 2003 when she was six years old.

 

Rounding out the family awards for 2009 Chris German who won the annual Spirit of Tai Yosheda Award, give to a Technical Official or Referee.  During the 2009 Games, Chris provided technical assistance at the head scoring table and made sure individual matches at three different Judo mats at the Lakeland Center.  She also provided valulable support for Brian, Katie and Kelly.

 

For more information about the 2010 Calendar of Florida’s Sunshine State Games events, please visit www.flasports.com.  The Florida Sports Foundation annually offers competition in 25 amateur sports through the Sunshine State Games.   Since 1980, the Games have been held to serve Florida’s athletes and community in promoting amateur sports.

 


Polk County, Florida Named as Host City for Southeast Sports Festival

 

The Third and Fourth Southeast Sports Festivals will be held in Polk County, Florida in the summer of 2010 and 2012. The Southeast Sports Festival is a multi-sport festival with athletes from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Virginia eligible to compete after qualifying at the respective State Games.

Arkansas, Louisiana, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia also have provisional permission to participate in the 2010 Southeast Sports Festival.

 

“Polk County’s experience in hosting multi-sport events and the communities support make it an ideal host city for the Southeast Sports Festival,” said Marc T. Riker, President of Southeast Sports Festival. “Plus, being a destination area, for participants and family members to visit, is an added benefit.”

 

The tentative roster of sports for the Third Southeast Sports Festival currently includes Fencing, Lacrosse, Soccer, Taekwondo and Track & Field with the possibility of Baseball, Basketball, Cycling and Table Tennis being added at a later date.

 

“Polk County is very excited to be selected as the host of the 2010 and 2012 Southeast Sports Festival,” said Marc Zimmerman, Sales and Events Manager for Central Florida’s Polk County Sports Marketing. “This event will help to bolster the local economy at a much needed time. Having hosted the Sunshine State Games for the past three years hosting the Southeast Sports Festival is the next logical step.”

 

Polk County venues currently scheduled to be used for the Southeast Sports Festival include The Lakeland Center, Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale, Lakeland’s Simpson Park and Frostproof High School.

 

The Southeast Sports Festival is a biennial event that began in 2006 in Shelby County, Alabama. It was held in Tallahassee in 2008. Polk County, home of the 2007 through 2009 Florida’s Sunshine State Games, will serve as hosts for the next two events. Dates of competition for the 2010 Southeast Sports Festival will be July 30 – August 1, 2010.

 

For more information as it becomes available, please check www.southeastsportsfestival.org.

 

During the past year, more than 225 Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing-assisted events generated in excess of $126 million in economic benefits for Polk County. General information on sports in Polk County can be found by visiting the PCSM website at www.centralfloridasports.com.

Florida Spring Baseball is Big Business for Florida

 ~ Annually Brings more than $750 Million to the Sunshine State ~

 

The 2009 Florida Grapefruit League season may have lasted only 39 days, but the total economic value (impact) of the Major League Baseball Spring Training to the Florida economy was estimated to be $752.3 million, according to a new study conducted by the Bonn Marketing Research Group, and commissioned by the Florida Sports Foundation in conjunction with the Office of the Governor and Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development.

 

The 2009 study found that the 2009 Major League Baseball (MLB) Spring Training season generated $284.2 million in total labor income and supported or created 9,205 part-time and full-time jobs. The study showed an increase of $299 million from a study completed during the 2000 Florida Spring Training season that showed a $453 million economic impact.  When broken down on a per team basis, the 2009 study shows an average of $47 million economic impact per team to the community that hosts a Major League team for Spring Training. 

 

Included in the economic impact analysis are the 16 MLB teams spring training operating expenditures in the State of Florida, the operating expenditures of the 15 stadiums that house MLB spring training operations, the concessionaire spring training operating expenditures at the 15 stadiums, and spring training game attendee expenditures.

 

Spring training game attendee expenditures were calculated from data collected through 1,600 personal interviews at all of the 15 spring training stadiums in Florida. Attendees were surveyed during four randomly selected home games for each of the 16 MLB teams.

 

The largest source of direct expenditures from Spring Training baseball operations is fan spending, accounting for 91 percent of the total expenditures generated by 2009 MLB Florida spring training.

 

“Major League Baseball has a following that transcends economic downturns,” Dr. Mark Bonn, President of the Bonn Marketing Research Group, the firm that conducted the study. “People make their decisions to travel almost a year out and many of the respondents were repeat attendees at Spring Training Games. Economic conditions have little effect upon their decision to come to Florida for spring training.  It’s more about loyalty than economics.”

 

The 2009 Florida Spring Training Baseball season, which lasted from February 25 and April 4, drew a total of 1,561,873 fans to 259 games at 15 locations around the State of Florida for an average of more than 6,000 fans per game.

 

In an effort to determine the number of out-of-state attendees, professionally-trained surveyors for the Tallahassee-based Bonn Marketing Research Group, determined the origin of each attendee before the personal interview began. With that information, the survey estimated out-of-state spring training attendees stating “attending spring training” as their primary trip purpose, contributed $571.7 million in total spending output.

 

During the 2009 MLB Florida spring training season, 48 percent of attendees were from out of state, 28 percent of attendees were Florida, non-county attendees traveling to another county to see a Grapefruit League game and 24 percent of attendees were Florida, in-county attendees.

 

2009 MLB Florida spring training attendees spent an average of $313.65 per party per day, spent 5.82 nights and traveled with an average party size of 2.95 persons.

 

Other survey results determined a high level of satisfaction through 1,600 personal interviews conducted at spring training sites.  More than 60 percent of the fans surveyed had previously attended a Florida Spring Training game and 91.9 percent indicated that they would attend another game.

 

The Florida Sports Foundation offers an annual, complementary guide to all MLB teams in Florida's Grapefruit League including stadium locations, ticket prices, telephone numbers, team schedules and more. For a listing of Florida Grapefruit League teams holding their annual spring training in the Sunshine State and their locations around the state, please visit www.floridagrapefruitleague.com.

CLICK HERE to obtain a complete copy of the survey, a 71 page pdf document

 

Sports means $32 billion to the State of Florida

With the beginning of a new year, the State of Florida can look forward to an infusion of $32 billion in 2006 due to Sports and Recreation.

Sports and recreation activities provide a $32 billion annual economic impact to Florida’s economy, according to an “Economic Impact of Sports and Recreation Activities in Florida Survey,” prepared by the Washington Economics Group, Inc. and commissioned by the Florida Sports Foundation, the official sports promotion and development organization of the State of Florida.

Besides the $32 billion in economic impact, the survey showed sports and recreation provide support for 434,000 employment positions and generate $12.9 billion in annual labor compensation. 

In preparing the survey over the course of eight months, using data from the 2004 calendar year, the Coral Gables-based Washington Economics Group, separated the sports and recreation activities into nine components for which there was sufficient data to prepare the survey.  The components are:

Consumer spending on sports and recreation apparel and equipment
Local government expenditures for parks and recreation
Sport fishing (including associated boating)
Hunting and wildlife associated recreation
Recreational golf and golf courses
Professional sports teams
Sports associated with pari-mutuel wagering
Recreational ownership of horses
Sporting events sponsored by Florida’s 18 Regional Sports Commissions
Major Professional Golf and Tennis Tournaments

“This survey will show sports and recreation are an important activity in the State,” said Robert Cruz, Chief Economist for the Washington Economics Group.  “The number of jobs sports and recreation creates in the State was quite impressive to me.  I think it showed a very significant impact that had not been done before and those numbers are conservative.  Of the 9.2 millions jobs in Florida, sports and recreation accounts for about 5% of jobs statewide.”

As the official sports promotion and development organization of the State, the Florida Sports Foundation strives to promote Florida's unique sports industry and realize its economic benefit.  The study also sought to uncover the externality benefits directly affecting the society or economy at large.

Externality benefits associated with sports include; the encouragement of participation, inclusion and citizenship; creating confidence and discipline; facilitating recruitment of high wage and the promotion of health increasing longevity.

One of the reasons behind Florida’s success is the competitive advantage the state possesses in the sports and recreation sector.

Florida has extensive experience hosting nationally and internationally renowned sporting events. 
The State has hosted 12 Super Bowls and been selected to host 3 more through 2010.

The Annual Daytona 500 kicks off the NASCAR season of races with a crowd of more than 200,000.

Four PGA Tour Events take place in Florida during the month of March.

The 2006 Citgo Bassmasters Classic, known as the “Super Bowl of Bass Fishing,” will be held in Kissimmee in February.

Florida boasts five college bowl games, tied with Texas for the most bowl games in the country, bringing visiting fans to Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa and Miami.

Florida has exceptional representation in high-profile professional sports franchises.

Major League Baseball’s Florida Marlins were World Series Champions in 1997 and 2003.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League won the Super Bowl in 2002.

The Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League won the Stanley Cup in 2004.

Florida is a preferred worldwide destination for playing and training in several outdoor sports, specifically golf, baseball, tennis boating and fishing

18 Major League Baseball teams hold their annual Spring Training in 17 Florida locations.

Florida boasts more than 1,200 golf courses.

Florida offers more than 7,700 lakes, 10,550 miles of rivers and streams, and 2,276 miles of tidal shoreline for anglers and boaters alike to enjoy.

Florida boasts versatile and modern sporting facilities and claims a critical mass of headquarters of numerous amateur sports’ governing bodies and organizations.

Since 1999, Miami’s Dolphins Stadium, Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium and Jacksonville’s ALLTEL Stadium have hosted Super Bowls.

The Professional Golf Association (PGA) Tour is located in Ponte Vedra Beach.

The International Softball Federation is located in Plant City.

The United States Specialty Sports Association is located in Kissimmee.

Click here for a complete version of the Economic Impact of Sports in Florida.  (100 page pdf document.  Adobe reader software is necessary to view this document)