"SPORTS EVENTS KEEP LOCAL BUSINESSES BUSY, BOTH ON AND OFF THE FIELD"

 

Lee County has been selected to host two sports-related events this week. One event will happen on the clay and grass of our immaculate baseball fields, but the other "event" will take place within the friendly confines of one of our local resorts.

 

First up, the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) State Youth Baseball Tournament will be held Friday December 5, through Sunday December 7.  Games will be played at historic Terry Park and the Red Sox 5-plex, both located in east Ft. Myers.

 

"Being able to market the Red Sox facilities on a full time basis has been a major boost to our tournament marketing efforts. With Lee County's mix of affordable hotel rooms, laid back attractions, and first class venues, makes this part of Florida an attractive location for our events" said Scott Brown, USSSA Area Director

 

This 23-team tournament will allow 14 of southwest Florida's local teams to play some of the best 14, 16, and 18-year-old squads from throughout the Sunshine State. Crusader Baseball, Bishop Verot, Ft. Myers Force and the Naples Mustangs are just a few of the local teams participating.

 

A complete schedule is attached.

 

Lee County has also been tapping into another sports related market.  Sports meetings have continued to gain in numbers and  frequency, and Lee County is primed to host a large chunk of this market segment.

 

The Independent Softball Association (ISA) will hold it's annual convention on Ft. Myers Beach at the Diamondhead Beach Resort for the second time in the past three years.

 

"Our conventions are laid back, they give our attendees time to relax, and do some work, but it's hard to concentrate in a place as nice as this" said Chet Tyl, Executive Director.

 

"The ISA convention is the biggest meeting we have this month" said Suny Williams, Sales Associate with the resort.

 

All told, the events will pump much needed economic impact into our economy.

 

The convention will be held December 2-6, with all programs being held at the resort except for the annual Georgia vs. Florida Softball Challenge, which will be held Thursday, December 4, 5:00 PM at the Bay Oaks Park ballfields on Ft. Myers Beach.

 

The Lee County Sports Authority and Lee County Parks & Recreation are proud sponsors of these events.

 

Questions regarding the USSSA tournament should be directed to Scott Brown at 239-851-0547.

 

Additional information regarding the ISA Convention should be directed to Suny Williams, Diamondhead Beach Resort at 239-765-7654 or Chet Tyl, ISA Executive Director at 863-206-1245.