• Volunteers needed for NAIA in late May at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex

GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, ALA. – Local track fans are encouraged to cheer on rising star athletes this month at two track championships. The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) State Track Championship (4-5-6-7A boys and girls) is this weekend, May 5-7, and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track & Field National Championships is May 26-28. Both events will take place at Mickey Miller Blackwell Stadium at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex.

“Hosting the AHSAA and NAIA track championships for multiple years has given the city of Gulf Shores the chance to develop a strong reputation on the high school and collegiate levels,” said Beth Gendler, vice president of sales for the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission. “This is a reputation the Sports Commission can build on to pursue and continue to host high-level championships in the future as sports tourism grows along Alabama’s beaches.”

Gendler also notes the need for volunteers at the NAIA championships later this month. The Sports Commission Volunteer Incentive Program supports civic groups by contributing $40 per volunteer per shift worked at designated sporting events, including NAIA. To learn about volunteering with the Sports Commission, contact Sarah Cooper at 251-947-4611 or SCooper@GulfShores.com.

Visit AHSAA.com for more details on the AHSAA State Track Championship and NAIA.org for NAIA Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track & Field National Championships. For information on upcoming athletic events along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, visit GulfShores.com/Sports, or call 1-800-745-SAND.

About Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission:

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission is a partnership between Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism (GSOBT), the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber and the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. In 2007, this commission became a department within GSOBT. In this role, the commission - along with assistance from both cities – works to bring quality sporting events to Alabama’s Gulf Coast. To learn more about a whole different state of play, please visit GulfShores.com/Sports.