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Featured Article
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BE A PART OF NBA ALL-STAR 2012
This February, the NBA is bringing one of the most entertaining sporting events back to Orlando - NBA All-Star 2012. Returning for the first time since 1992, when Magic Johnson made his dramatic comeback on the court, NBA All-Star 2012 is a once-in-a-lifetime event celebrating current and former greats. Over the course of a week, the NBA will showcase its three leagues (NBA, WNBA, NBA Development League), celebrate our athletes and give back to the Orlando community through various NBA Cares events.
NBA All-Star Jam Session, in Orlando from February 23 - 26, is THE marquee fan event of NBA All-Star! Jam Session is non-stop basketball action for fans of all ages! Fans can shoot, slam and dribble all day, compete in skills challenges and collect FREE autographs from NBA Players and Legends.
The NBA has teamed up with the Central Florida Sports Commission to offer sports fans, age 18 and over, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of NBA All-Star action. Think you might be interested in being a member of our Starting Lineup? If so, we may have an opening on our MVP Volunteer Roster for you!
For your efforts, you will walk away with limited edition NBA gear, great prizes and memories from representing Orlando and being a part of a world class sporting event!
Click HERE to sign up today!
For more information on NBA All-Star 2012, visit www.nba.com/allstar2012
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A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM BRENT | |
White sandy beaches and holiday decorations ...It's beginning to look a lot like winter! With cooler weather come events that will not only warm your house, but your heart as well. Events range from tree-lightings to musical performances to parades, with just about everything in between. This time of the year also brings a season of giving with national programs like Toys for Tots, making sure that children throughout Central Florida, who are less fortunate, have a chance to enjoy this Holiday Season. For more information, please visit: www.toysfortots.org
This holiday season, help stay in shape by participating in one of the many fun runs! One of the holiday favorites is the Holiday Bridge Challenge in Ormond Beach. This year it will be held on Sunday, December 31, 2011 at 8 a.m. The unique course route winds along the Halifax River and crosses the Granada Bridge. All proceeds from the race benefit eight charities sponsored by St. James Episcopal Church. Register now at www.holidaybridgechallenge.com
Looking back, we would like to extend our congratulations to both golf teams at Stetson University! The Holiday Inn Express Hatter Classic 2011 concluded with the 5TH straight first place win for Stetson's Women's golf team. The Men's team tied for 3rd with the Bethune-Cookman University. The 36-hole tournament was held at Victoria Hills Golf and Country Club in Deland, Florida and featured a total of 18 total teams (both men and women). We look forward to hosting this event next November with our partners at Stetson.
Tipping off the month of December, the Sports Commission was proud to host a neutral site women's basketball game between the University of Florida and Rutgers University at the Ocean Center. In a hard fought contest Florida fell just short, losing to the #11 ranked Scarlet Knights. Moreover, the UF vs. Rutgers game was televised live on Fox Sports Florida. In addition to the college game, the reigning high school state champion, Dr. Philips defeated Palm Beach County Dwyer in a rout. More than 700 fans attended the two (2) games staged in Daytona Beach. We hope this becomes an annual tradition in Volusia County!
On the business development front, your Sports Commission is working hard to bring in new and exciting sporting events. Read about our recent activity below in this month's impact report.
Happy Holidays! |
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Best Regards,
Brent Nelson
Interim Executive Director
Central Florida Sports Commission |
ECONOMIC IMPACT |
Month of October Hotel Room Nights - 1,750 Tax Recovery - $13,690.35 Economic Impact - $737,939.85 Number of Participants - 1,472 Number of Spectators - 1,673 Number of Events - 3 Year to Date (Through October, 2011) Hotel Room Nights - 18,016 Tax Recovery - $143,075.10 Economic Impact - $7,440,117.18 Number of Participants - 7,033 Number of Spectators - 7,969 Number of Events- 22 |
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| IN THE PIPELINE |
The Sports Commission is currently reviewing an RFP to potentially bid on the 2012 USSSA Basketball High School State Championships. The USSSA (United States Specialty Sports Association) is a volunteer, sports governing body, non-profit organization based in Kissimmee, Florida. It was founded in 1968, originally in Petersburg, Virginia. The USSSA hosts youth and adult events across the United States in multiple sports such as slow and fast pitch softball, baseball, golf and basketball, just to name a few.
The proposed event would take place at multiple venues (gymnasiums) located across the county such as Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona State College and Mainland High School. Approximately 80+ youth basketball teams from across the State of Florida would be in attendance. We should know more in the next month on whether we have availability to accommodate the event.
In other news, the Sports Commission is currently researching a baseball event for May of 2012. The event is the National Club Baseball Association (NCBA) Division II World Series. Eight (8) regional champion teams travel to the World Series to participate in a five-day, double elimination tournament to crown the National Champion. Approximately 300+ room nights would be generated by teams alone. Bids are due by the end of December, but it appears we do not have a facility that meets their overall hosting requirements. Stay tuned!
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| WINS & LOSSES
(Through November, 2011)
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- Bids Submitted - 8
- Wins- 4
- Losses- 3
Staying on the business development front, the Sports Commission has been evaluating an opportunity to potentially host the 2012 USA BMX Track Operator Seminar. The Track Operator Seminar is held annually in mid February, and consists of training seminars and meetings conducted for the staff and volunteers that run the association's BMX tracks. The event will attract more than 400 attendees from 49 states and Canada. A hotel is generally the host venue for this conference. Based on their preferred set of dates, it appears that we won't be able to submit a proposal. Their preferred dates are the same week as the Daytona 500. |
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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Harry Gilbert's Holiday Super Series
December 17-19
Florida Tennis Center
https://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments
Bethune-Cookman Univ. vs. Univ. of North Florida Women's Basketball
December 28 at 2pm
Moore Gymnasium, Bethune-Cookman University
www.b-cuathletics.com/
Holiday Bridge Challenge
December 31 at 8am
St. James Episcopal Church, Ormond Beach
http://www.holidaybridgechallenge.com/Home.aspx
New Years Eve Walk
December 31 at 2pm
Spruce Creek Recreational Facility, Port Orange
www.active.com/walking/port-orange-fl/new-years-eve-walk-2011
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| COMMUNITY PROFILE | |
An episode of 60 Minutes has triggered action from the Stetson University Community to help those in need. During a recent episode of 60 Minutes, a 15 year old teenager by the name of Arielle Metzger, told her story to the world while wearing a Stetson University t-shirt. Arielle and her family are homeless, living with her 13 year old brother Austin and her father Tom in a truck. She spoke of her aspirations to become a lawyer and help children and homeless people. After hearing her story, Stetson University has decided to grant the brother and sister a financial aid package to cover the full cost of attending the University. In addition, the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority is raising funds to help support the family's immediate needs. This is truly a shining example of Stetson University's community involvement.
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