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| Volume 2, Issue 5 - June 2006 | |||
| In the News | |||
On May 8, the Tampa Bay Sports Commission hosted its inaugural University Challenge Golf Tournament at prestigious Old Memorial Golf Club in Tampa. Old Memorial served as the perfect backdrop for the event consisting of 18 foursomes, each playing as their favorite college team. Not only did each player receive a polo shirt for the specific university they represented, but they were also given a $400 customized Callaway shopping spree. The Michigan Wolverines squad featuring Ron Campbell, Vinny Lecavalier, Brad Richards, and Bill Wickett took the event's first-ever title. The real winner though was the community as the proceeds from the tournament support the commission's mission of social and economic impact through sports for the Tampa Bay area.
The golf tournament resulted in 57 new members for the Tampa Bay Sports Commission membership program. Thanks to the support and involvement of sponsors like Outback Steakhouse, Callaway Golf, Shutts & Bowen LLP, Coca-Cola, McDonalds, Pepin Distributing, Bright House Networks, the Tampa Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau, Levy Awards and Promotional Products, and VF Imagewear, the tournament was deemed an overwhelming success.
Details for next year's tournament are being finalized now and will be posted at www.tampabaysports.org as soon they become available.
Tampa Bay Sports Commission Has Record Charity Day At Tampa Bay Downs 
On April 15, the Tampa Bay Sports Commission joined forces with Tampa Bay Downs to host the most successful charity day in track history, raising $31,800 that will help enhance youth sports in the Tampa Bay area. This total, presented to the Tampa Bay Sports Commission in a ceremony on April 29, is $2,500 more than last year's total and marks the second year in a row in which a single day record has been set.
"We appreciate the continued support from the Tampa Bay Downs family and all of the individuals who came out to make the charity day such a great success," said Rob Higgins, Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. "Without the support from organizations like the Tampa Bay Downs, we would not have nearly the social or economic impact that we feel privileged to provide our outstanding community." The money raised was compiled from all tax dollars generated throughout the day on admission, parking, wagering, food and beverage.
The City of Plant City hosted the 2006 NJCAA Division I Softball National Championship on May 18 - 20, 2006 at Plant City Stadium and the Randy L. Larson Four-Plex. The 16-team championship drew over 4,000 athletes, coaches, umpires and spectators from 13 states to the city, generating over 1,200 room nights. "We are very pleased with the success of the NJCAA Division I Softball National Championship. The teams were excited to be here and we wanted to make this an experience of a lifetime," said Laurie Gouthro, NJCAA Tournament Director. "The stadium affords the opportunity for these young athletes to showcase their talent like the pros do, and they deserve it. We look forward to its continued success as we will host this national championship here for the next two years."
On May 20, the Tampa Bay Sports Commission once again teamed up with Pro-Motion Sports USA in an effort to create scholarship opportunities for local Tampa Bay high school athletes at Raymond James Stadium. With more than 45 college coaches in attendance, nearly 500 underclassmen from around the state showcased their skills in a series of stations ranging from the 40-yard dash to bench press repetitions and the 20-yard shuttle. In the combine's first two years, over 40 athletic scholarships have been awarded. "We think that the combine keeps getting better every year with the talent and the participation levels continuing to grow," said Gus Bell, President of Pro-Motion Sports USA. "And Raymond James Stadium is great. You can see the excitement on the players' faces as they walk out of the tunnel."
On May 13 and 14, the Tampa Bypass Canal at Harney Park hosted the 2006 Southeast District Youth Rowing Championship Regatta. Sponsored by the Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department, Florida Scholastic Rowing and the Tampa Bypass Canal Rowing Council, the Southeast District Youth Rowing Championship Regatta featured 40 high school teams and drew over 1,500 athletes and 3,000 spectators from the Southeast United States. Among the 40 teams, Tampa had three teams in the championship; Plant High Rowing Association, Tampa Catholic High School, and Berkeley Preparatory School. "Hillsborough County's Tampa Bypass Canal at Harney Park was voted to host this regatta based on its physical attributes and successes in hosting past championship regattas," said Marilyn Samaha, President of Tampa Bypass Rowing Council. "The US Rowing Southeast District Regatta is considered one of the most prestigious crew races in the nation, and it qualifies top crews to advance to the US Rowing National Championship Regatta," added Samaha. "The opportunity to host this event is a major step toward recognizing Hillsborough County as a distinguished venue for the sport of rowing." Upcoming Events
The Tampa Bay Sports Commission, Sun Sports, and FSN Florida will host the 2006 Florida Sports Writers Association College Football Media Days on July 29 and 30 at the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina. This two-day format provides the FSWA members the opportunity to meet and speak with the state's 12 college football coaches as the upcoming season approaches. "It's not everyday that a community has the opportunity to play host to each of the 12 state university head football coaches all on the same weekend," said Rob Higgins, Executive Director of the Tampa Sports Commission. "Combine this fact with getting a chance to showcase your destination to countless sports media from around the state, and you can see why the FSWA College Football Media Days is such a truly special event." Day one features the University of Miami's Larry Coker and the University of Florida's Urban Meyer and day two will include the University of South Florida's Jim Leavitt and Florida State University's Bobby Bowden.
NSA Youth State B Championships: June 30-July 2, 2006
The Tampa Bay Sports Commission will host the 2006 NSA State B Championships June 30 - July 2 at the Ed Radice, Greco and New Tampa softball complexes. This girl's fast pitch tournament features over 70 teams ranging in ages 10-18. "Hosting the 2006 NSA State B Championship speaks volumes to the opportunity we have to develop the softball market here in Tampa," said Jason Aughey, Sports Sales and Event Manager at the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. "As we continue to build the relationship with NSA, we are confident that this Championship will lead to future State and National tournaments." | |||
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Old Memorial Golf Club Hosts Inaugural University Challenge Golf Tournament
National Junior College Athletic Association Division I Softball National Championship Is A Success in Plant City
Tampa Bay Area Football Players Continue To Shine At Southeast High School Football Combine
Florida Sports Writers Association College Football Media Days
Ph: 813.223.1111 - Toll Free: 800.826.8358 - Fax: 813.218.3376 - www.TampaBaySports.org
For more information, email Blake Guthrie at bguthrie@VisitTampaBay.com