Community Corner
YMCA Selected to Host Major National Event in Tampa
Tampa, FL (June 20, 2013) – After placing a bid, the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA and Sarasota Family YMCA have been selected by YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) to host the 2014 YMCA Gymnastics National Championships.
Nearly 2,000 gymnasts from across the country, along with their families, will travel to Tampa next summer for the four-day event, bringing an estimated $4.5 million in economic impact to the community.
The event consists of a three-day competition and an Olympic-style Opening Ceremony. The competition will take place at the Tampa Convention Center July 3rd-July 5th, 2014. The Opening Ceremony will be held July 2nd at a location to be announced at a later date.
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“We’re pleased Tampa Bay has been selected to host the 2014 YMCA Gymnastics National Championship,” said Rob Higgins, executive director of Tampa Bay Sports Commission. “Our community has a strong affinity for staging premier youth and amateur gymnastics events and to be able to host a special event of this caliber is going to continue to enhance our gymnastics tradition. In partnering with the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA and the Sarasota Family YMCA, we’re confident in our ability to deliver a first-class National Championship, thus creating incredible experiences and memories for all YMCA participants and their families.”
In order to compete, each participant must qualify by receiving a high enough all-around score at a USA Gymnastics (USAG) sanctioned meet. This is by far the largest meet of the season and it is something these gymnasts prepare for year round. In fact, 20 Tampa YMCA gymnasts and 41 Sarasota YMCA gymnasts are experiencing it right now as they prepare to travel to Savannah, Ga. next week for the 2013 YMCA Gymnastics National Championships.
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“It’s a huge honor and very exciting news to be chosen as the host for this amazing event” says Tom Looby, President & CEO of the Tampa YMCA. “We look forward to working with the Sarasota Y, Y-USA, Tampa Bay & Company and the Tampa Sports Commission to plan and host such a spectacular event with promising outcomes to the greater Tampa Bay area.” Kurt Stringfellow, President & CEO of the Sarasota Y, agrees, “The Sarasota Y is fortunate to be a part of this national event in the Tampa Bay area. We look forward to working with the Tampa YMCA and the other partners in helping make this a welcoming and rewarding celebration of gymnastics.”
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About the Tampa Y
The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is one of the area’s leading nonprofits, strengthening Hillsborough and East Pasco communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the Association, 19 facilities engage more than 142,000 men, women and children — regardless of age, income or background — to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve our community’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The Tampa Y has long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. www.tampaymca.org
About the Sarasota Y
The Sarasota Family YMCA has been at the heart of Sarasota for over 65 years. Today, we touch over 70,000 lives through our four fitness branches and offer more than 50 youth and family development programs within four counties. We live our not-for-profit mission by providing life changing experiences and assistance to everyone of all ages, background, ability, race or religion. www.thesarasotay.org
