Elite Venues for Every Game

Florida’s Sports Coast boasts some of the finest sports facilities in the region, making it the ideal location for athletes, event organizers, and sports enthusiasts alike. The Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus of Pasco County in Wesley Chapel stands out as one of the largest and most versatile venues in the area. This cutting-edge sports complex features a 98,000 square-foot indoor facility, plus seven outdoor fields designed to host a range of sports such as soccer, football, rugby, lacrosse, etc. The venue regularly attracts regional and national events, drawing athletes and spectators from all over.

For tennis enthusiasts, Mouratoglou Academy Zephyrhills provides a premier setting for training and competition. This modern facility boasts 15 high-performance tennis courts, featuring both hard and clay surfaces that cater to professional tournaments and training camps. The facility also features five modern padel courts, and 8 inclusive pickleball courts. Known for its pristine surfaces and excellent amenities, the center is a local favorite and hosts numerous community tennis programs and outreach initiatives. Whether you’re competing in a national tournament or enjoying a recreational clinic, this venue offers an ideal environment for all levels of play.

For fans of ice sports, AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel is one of Florida’s largest ice sports complexes. Featuring three NHL-standard rinks, one Olympic-standard rink, one junior ice rink, and a 2,000 sq. ft. fitness center, it serves as a hub for competitive ice sports in the region. The venue also regularly hosts regional and national competitions, providing state-of-the-art facilities for training camps and tournaments. It also offers public skating sessions and youth hockey leagues, making it a great destination for family fun and competitive training alike.

Leisure and Adventure: More Than Just Sports

While Florida’s Sports Coast is best known for its sports venues, it’s equally renowned for its outdoor adventure offerings. The region’s natural beauty, combined with its mild climate, makes it the perfect place for nature enthusiasts to explore. Here are just a few of its various leisure offerings.

Werner Boyce Salt Springs State Park in Port Richey offers a serene escape into Florida’s wilderness. Visitors can enjoy kayaking and canoeing along these scenic waterways, surrounded by lush greenery and abundant wildlife. This park provides the ideal setting for a peaceful day of nature exploration with plenty of opportunities to spot native species and enjoy the beauty of Florida’s natural landscape.

For those seeking a unique wildlife experience, Giraffe Ranch in Dade City offers an unforgettable safari-style adventure. This 47-acre ranch provides visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with exotic animals from around the world, including giraffes, zebras, and ostriches. Guests can enjoy guided tours through its lush, scenic grounds, where they can feed and interact with the animals in a natural, open-air environment. Giraffe Ranch is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts looking for a hands-on experience in a serene, rural setting. With its educational tours and breathtaking views, it’s a mustsee destination for anyone visiting Florida’s Sports Coast.

Adrenaline seekers can head to The Lift Adventure Park at SunWest Park in Hudson, known for its innovative cable wakeboarding system. This one-of-a-kind park pulls riders across a lake, offering an exhilarating experience for wakeboarders of all skill levels. It also features an inflatable obstacle course with a slide, sandy beaches, and picnic areas, making it a fantastic spot to relax after a thrilling session on the water.

A Shopper’s Paradise

After a day of sports or outdoor adventure, Florida’s Sports Coast offers plenty of opportunities for leisure and relaxation. Tampa Premium Outlets in Wesley Chapel is the perfect destination for retail enthusiasts. With over 110 stores offering top brands at discounted prices, it’s a shopper’s paradise. Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion, electronics, or accessories, you’ll find a wide range of luxury and everyday brands to suit your style and budget.

Florida’s Sports Coast: Your All-Access Pass to Play & Explore

Florida’s Sports Coast is the ultimate destination for champions — athletes, business travelers, and active adventurers alike. With top-notch sports venues, stunning outdoor environments, and a wide range of shopping and dining options, this vibrant region seamlessly combines the thrill of competition with the relaxation of leisure. Whether you’re here to compete in a tournament, attend a conference, or simply explore and unwind, Florida’s Sports Coast offers the perfect backdrop for making unforgettable memories. Life’s a Game. Let’s Play!

[Source: Greater Orlando Sports Commission] – Orlando has reaffirmed why it’s one of the world’s premier international sports destinations, hosting the 2025 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior National Volleyball Championships, the world’s largest volleyball tournament. The event, which ran from June 13 to July 7, attracted over 6,500 teams and 325,500 estimated athletes, coaches, and spectators from all 50 states and multiple countries to Orlando, setting new participation and attendance records.

Hosted at the Orange County Convention Center, one of more than 40 elite venues in the Greater Orlando region, the event will drive significant economic impact. Simultaneously, Orlando hosted matches for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, demonstrating the region’s unmatched ability to accommodate an influx of visitors for overlapping events and reinforcing its status as a leader in sports tourism.

The conclusion of this year’s tournament coincided with the International Volleyball Federation’s (FIVB) World Volleyball Day, a global celebration of the sport’s unifying power and cultural impact on July 7. The alignment underscores Orlando’s commitment to volleyball at all levels and highlights the city’s role on the international stage in promoting the growth of the game.

“We are so thankful for our community partners when it comes to arranging the AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships,” said Jo Mirza, President of AAU. “Without the Orange County Convention Center, Greater Orlando Sports Commission and Visit Orlando, we wouldn’t be able to host this premier event for AAU’s largest sport.”

“The AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships have become a cornerstone event in our region’s sports tourism portfolio,” said Greater Orlando Sports Commission President and CEO Jason Siegel. “This year’s record-setting tournament underscores the power of strategic, long-term collaboration with partners like Visit Orlando, Orange County, and the Orange County Convention Center. As the trusted host destination for nearly three decades, Orlando takes great pride in consistently delivering elevated experiences that set a national benchmark for youth sports.”

The successful execution of the 2025 AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships adds to Orlando’s growing portfolio of major sports events and showcases the region’s ability to host competitions at the highest level. With a growing calendar of athletic events, Orlando has built a strong track record in delivering major competitions across a wide range of sports. The region’s continued investment in premier venues, visitor experience, and a collaborative hosting approach has helped attract and sustain both amateur and professional events.

Host City: What do you think are the main considerations for rightsholders deciding where to host events? 

Jason Siegel: While this could vary by rightsholder, for the most part, they are looking for a host city that will deliver a world-class experience for their constituents, athletes, officials, and partners and a city that will drive desired net revenue back to the rightsholder.

Using Orlando as an example, our tourism ecosystem seamlessly works together – hoteliers, restauranteurs, elected officials, transportation providers, and attraction operators all work closely to ensure a smooth and successful event for all stakeholders. This strong working relationship is reflected in the 74 million visitors who enjoyed Orlando in 2022 alone, a testament to our city’s ability to deliver.

When it comes to infrastructure, Orlando boasts an impressive 35+ sports venues across the region, ensuring flexibility and adaptability to your specific needs. With over 200,000 hotel rooms, timeshares, and vacation rentals, we can easily accommodate athletes, officials, and fans.

Ultimately, while rightsholders seek world-class experiences and revenue generation, they also value a collaborative and engaging environment. With its proven track record of hosting major events, experienced local organizing committee, and collaborative community spirit, Orlando stands out as the ideal choice to deliver on all fronts.

Host City: Why did Orlando want to host the US Olympic Trials for Marathon?

Jason Siegel: The opportunity to host an Olympic qualifying event fit perfectly in our strategic plan and aligns with our goal of bringing world-class sporting events to Orlando.

We also wanted to shine a spotlight on Downtown Orlando and boost the local economy. We are very proud of our incredible community here, and our economic impact so far has been tremendous. We also were confident in the return on investment the event would bring and the media value of hosting a nationally televised event.

We were thrilled that the event drew over 100,000 spectators. With the robust running community here in Orlando, we knew this event would be well-received not only by fans of the sport but by everyone.

Host City: What are Orlando’s wider event hosting ambitions?

Jason Siegel: From Premier League clashes like Aston Villa vs Fulham and international giants like Juventus and Real Madrid facing off in the Florida Cup to the electrifying spectacle of WrestleMania and the inspirational 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, Orlando has a proven track record of hosting major sporting events. We've also welcomed the pinnacle of wakeboarding and waterskiing with the IWWF World Championships in 2021 and 2023. These, alongside over 1,600 other events since 1993, demonstrate our commitment to driving economic impact, showcasing Orlando's vibrancy, and benefiting our residents and businesses.

With our elite venues and facilities, coupled with the entertainment powerhouses of Disney and Universal, Orlando offers an iconic backdrop for world-class events. We enjoy strong partnerships with local government and are passionate about collaborating with all stakeholders to bring even more exciting sporting experiences to our city, encompassing youth/amateur, Olympic, collegiate, international, esports, and everything in between.

Host City: How will you look to capitalise on the 2026 FIFA World Cup and LA28?

Jason Siegel: We have a longstanding relationship with FIFA and the USOPC, and both organizations know they can always count on Orlando to deliver exceptional results.

[Source: Florida Sports Foundation] The Florida Sports Foundation announced its recently commissioned study found the total economic impact of the sports industry on Florida’s economy amounted to $146.5 billion in Fiscal Years 2019-20 and 2020-21.

CLICK HERE for the direct link to the full $146.5 Billion Economic Impact Study.

The report, conducted by the independent research firm Tourism Economics, also showed that the billions injected into the economy by sports supported 978,200 part-time and full-time jobs on an annual basis and generated $13.9 billion in state and local taxes.

“We applaud the Governor for the extensive steps he has taken to ensure Florida has remained open for sports throughout his administration,” said Angela Suggs, President and CEO of the Florida Sports Foundation. “The findings of this report show the wisdom of the Governor’s strategy to prioritize access to golf courses, beaches, hiking trails and other recreational venues.”

Amateur and leisure activities were the largest contributors to Florida’s sports economy over the course of the study. This category, which includes golf, hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities, accounted for $113.6 billion in total economic impact. Within the amateur and leisure activities category, golf was the largest contributor, generating $44.2 billion in impact.

Other highlights of the report include:

• Florida’s sports industry accounted for nearly 28.1 million non-resident visitors to the state, representing 14 percent of all Florida tourism.

• Professional sports accounted for $10.2 billion in economic impact, while college athletics contributed $5.5 billion in impact.

• The efforts of the state’s 36 sports commissions, supported by the Florida Sports Foundation, generated $24.9 billion in total economic impact.

About the Florida Sports Foundation

The Florida Sports Foundation, a 501(C) 3 non-profit corporation, is the official sports promotion and development organization for the State of Florida. It is charged with the promotion and development of professional, amateur, recreational sports, and physical fitness opportunities that produce a thriving Florida sports industry and environment. With a seemingly endless list of sporting ventures and venues, the Florida Sports Foundation strives to promote Florida’s unique sports industry. The Foundation’s staff is dedicated to serving the needs and interests of Florida’s sports community and assists with all questions concerning Florida sporting activities and issues.
To create the thriving sports industry and environment, the Florida Sports Foundation:

• Provides grants to support sporting events that bring out-of-state visitors to Florida;

• Produces and distributes annual golf, fishing and boating, and baseball spring training guides for both in-state and out-of-state tourists; and

• Organizes the annual Sunshine State Games, an Olympic-style festival for Floridians of all ages, and the Florida Senior Games State Championships for senior athletes, age 50 and over.

About Tourism Economics
Tourism Economics is an Oxford Economics company with a singular objective: combine an understanding of the travel sector with proven economic tools to answer the most important questions facing our clients. More than 500 companies, associations, and destination work with Tourism Economics every year as a research partner. We bring decades of experience to every engagement to help our clients make better marketing, investment, and policy decisions. Our team of highly-specialized economists deliver:

• Global travel data-sets with the broadest set of country, city, and state coverage available.

• Travel forecasts that are directly linked to the economic and demographic outlook for origins and destinations

• Policy analysis that informs critical funding, taxation, and travel facilitation decisions

• Market assessments that define market allocation and investment decisions.

[Orlando, Florida] Al Kidd, President & CEO of Sports ETA, the international association for the sports events and tourism industry, is one of a several influential voices hailing Orlando’s rapidly recovering tourism industry and identifying sport as a key driver.

“As we emerge from the restrictions and challenges of the pandemic and return to business, great cities like Orlando are poised to recover faster than others. Sports events and sports tourism in Orlando have shown to be the re-entry catalyst, generating new and much needed business”, he said.

Jesse Martinez, General Manager at The Alfond Inn, Chairman of the Central Florida Lodging Association Board of Directors, and Board Member at Visit Florida, agrees. “In my opinion, Central Florida has a tremendous head start on all other major city travel destinations. After seeing a huge influx of travelers this past spring break, we have not slowed down since.” 

“Sports tourism was an early bright spot when Orlando began to reopen in the summer of 2020 as we hosted the NBA bubble, the MLS is Back Tournament and youth events such as the AAU’s Jr.  National Volleyball Championship,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando, who echoed the sentiments of Jesse Martinez by saying that “Orlando has a one-year head start”.  

To underline this, the 2021 edition of the same AAU Youth Volleyball event - hosted just a few weeks ago - drew over 130,000 participants and visitors.  Mark Tester, Executive Director at the Orange County Convention Center said: “The event drove one of our highest food and beverage totals in the Center’s history.”

Don Welsh, President and CEO of Destinations International, added: “All eyes were on Orlando during the pandemic as the NBA and MLS restarted their seasons. It was impressive to watch their collaborative community come together to host in the most trying of circumstances.”  

Orlando believes its emphasis on encouraging sports-related travel and welcoming teams and players has been a game-changing factor in keeping its infrastructure ticking over.

“When business travel collapsed, some cities were saved by their youth and amateur sport travel business” said Jason Siegel, CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission. “There is no doubt in my mind that sports tourism is a viable pathway for generating visitor spending and promoting a destination – which is why Orlando puts such a high priority on it”.

In normal times, Orlando has the largest tourism industry in the USA, producing $26 billion a year, exceeding Las Vegas with $19 million. One in five workers in Orlando (21%) worked directly in hospitality and leisure in 2019. When COVID-19 struck, the unemployment rate skyrocketed. “Our neighbors at Port Canaveral, who derive significant revenue from the cruise industry, lost 43% of their workforce,” said Siegel.

But as life normalizes, the recovery is swift, much more so than many anticipated. Hotels are taking bookings; forward occupancy is very promising and optimism abounds.

According to a study authored by Adam Sacks of Tourism Economics, hotel room demand overall has reached 89% of 2019 figures and air passengers are at 71% (June 2021). Leisure trips will be nearly back to pre-pandemic levels in 2022, although business will take longer. He has said: “Overall, sports are outperforming the market as youth sports have returned well before other business-related events. In fact, we are hearing from clients that sports have been the star performer in what has been an otherwise dismal market”

Orlando, one of 17 US candidate host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, is hoping to be selected for the final 10. “I believe our reputation as a collaborative tourism community and reliable partner to sport – and our popularity as a destination – suggest we surely deserve a place” Siegel summed up.

[Source: Greater Orlando Sports Commission] The FIFA 2026 World Cup™ candidate city of Orlando will play host to some of the biggest names in international soccer following the announcement of a series of world class matches to be hosted in the city.

Orlando’s Camping World Stadium has been chosen as the venue for the 2021 Florida Cup featuring 2020 FA Cup winners Arsenal, Everton from the English Premier League and this year’s Italian Serie A champions Inter Milan, alongside Millonarios FC, the all- conquering Colombian team.

“We are so happy to be able to bring such a powerful international lineup to Orlando as we connect Europe and South America once again at this summer’s event," Florida Cup CEO Ricardo Villar said. "We look forward to delivering an outstanding training experience for our participating clubs, while also providing an exciting week of action and entertainment to local fans and club supporters in Central Florida for the festivities.”

The festival of football will take place on 25th and 28th July. Tickets went on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. ET on Thursday, June 3.

The news adds to the buzz around Orlando’s “Summer of Soccer”, which also sees the city playing host to international matches of the prestigious CONCACAF Gold Cup, also in July.

Jason Siegel, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission said: “It’s turning into an incredible year for soccer in Orlando and we are pleased and proud that organisers - including CONCACAF, US Soccer and Florida Cup - are recognising this and putting their trust in us. We will deliver a great experience for players and fans alike.”

Mikel Arteta, the Manager of Arsenal FC praised the choice of venue: “We’re very pleased to see our pre-season plans ramping up with the announcement of our trip to the United States to take part in the Florida Cup. The tournament features three good sides that will provide strong opposition, and the training and matchday facilities in Orlando will provide a first-class environment for our preparations for next season.”

Giuseppe Marotta, CEO Sport, FC Internazionale Milano said: “We couldn’t be happier to add a pair of Florida Cup fixtures to our training schedule as we continue our Scudetto celebrations in the U.S. along with our first team. The entire club is excited for the upcoming trip to Orlando for a challenging pair of matches, and the organization is eager for the opportunity to celebrate alongside our many American supporters.”

Enrique Camacho, President, Millonarios FC said: “We are incredibly excited to play in this year’s Florida Cup alongside three of Europe’s most recognizable and accomplished teams, including Everton and stars James Rodriguez and Yerry Mina. It is a fitting challenge and a momentous occasion as we celebrate 75 years of history in Colombia, and we are hungry to compete in front of our fans in Orlando.”

Orlando established itself as the “go to” venue for top flight football during the recent Covid pandemic, where 24 MLS teams were able to meet and compete in perfect safety, across 51 matches and 34 days of soccer.

As spectators return to live sport, Orlando has been awarded six matches of the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup, to be played as three double-headers on the 12/16/20 July in Orlando’s purpose-built Exploria Stadium, the home of Orlando City SC.

There were more than 40 bids from major markets across the United States interested in hosting the region’s most prestigious soccer tournament. Orlando is one of only seven cities selected.

[Source: Greater Orlando Sports Commission] Work has started at Orlando’s famous Camping World Stadium as the city reinforces its unique appeal as a venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™.

The $60m final phase of an ambitious “top to bottom” renovation costing $267m in total, places sports tourism at the forefront of the city’s post-Covid recovery plan. By the time it is finished the stadium will – in effect – have been completely re-built, with 90% all-new construction.

"Orlando has already established itself as one of the premier sports destinations in North America and enhancing Camping World Stadium only adds to our ability to host premier events," said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. "I am proud that we've achieved exceptional value throughout the entire reconstruction. Our strategy has been validated by the lineup of marquee events scheduled for the stadium in the future."

The work is being carried out by Barton Malow, a Michigan-based construction firm and one of America’s largest private companies.

“Camping World Stadium is an iconic landmark for Orlando and a key component of the city’s sports tourism strategy,” said Barton Malow Vice President of Sports, Len Moser.

Jason Siegel, President & CEO of Greater Orlando Sports Commission said: “For the first time in the tournament’s history, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 international teams, 16 more than any previous World Cup. This puts even greater emphasis on host city infrastructure as FIFA seeks to guarantee the quality of the matchday experience for soccer fans. The stadium upgrade is the final piece of the jigsaw, adding to Orlando’s reputation as a world leader in creating unforgettable moments for its millions of visitors every year.”  

Orlando is America’s most visited destination, with 76 million incoming tourists a year; a significant proportion generated by the city’s highly effective promotion of its sporting credentials. Money from Orlando's Tourist Development Tax (TDT) or "bed tax" is funding the renovation. The TDT collected $284 million from visitors last fiscal year.

Allen Johnson, Chief Venues Officer of Orlando Venues, which operates the stadium, said: "I believe our value for money approach is the smart way forward because it recognizes FIFA's awareness of environmental and sustainability objectives. Camping World Stadium is proud to have received a LEED Silver certification from the US Green Building Council following its massive reconstruction in 2014 and we are committed to a greener future."

Orlando has a booming soccer infrastructure. It was one of the venues chosen to host matches for the 1994 FIFA World Cup when attendances averaged over 60,000 per match. It also hosted Olympic soccer matches for both the men’s and women’s competitions in 1996. Camping World Stadium has a 65,000-seat capacity (expandable) and its record attendance was 75,245 for WrestleMania 33 in 2017.

Camping World Stadium is welcoming back fans after a nine-month event hiatus. It went three-for-three for bowl games during a seven-day stretch from December 26 – January 1, winning the distinction of hosting the most bowl games at any stadium participating in the Football Bowl Subdivision. While simultaneously hosting a record number of bowl games, Orlando Venues stadium management also rolled out their health and safety game plan and safely welcomed back fans.

"Because it takes considerable effort to repeatedly 'flip' the stadium and have it game-ready in such a tight window, I'm proud of our team and partners who worked tirelessly to make the conversions seamless," said Allen Johnson.

The health and safety of athletes, patrons and staff remains the top priority at Camping World Stadium which recently received a Global Biorisk Advisory Council STAR Facility Accreditation, the gold standard of prepared facilities, affirming the stadium’s commitment to outbreak prevention, response and recovery.

With bowl week behind it, Camping World Stadium hosted the highest-profile off-road motorcycle racing championship in the world – the Monster Energy AMA Supercross FIM World Championship on February 13 and 20.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup are set to be selected in the second half of 2021.

[Source: SportAccord] Hundreds of leading sports officials and executives are arriving in Fort Lauderdale from across the globe to explore development opportunities in the Americas with the inaugural edition of Regional SportAccord Pan America 2019 set to get underway.

A welcome reception from 7pm to 9pm on 10^th December will kick off proceedings before a packed conference programme runs across Wednesday and Thursday under the theme of ‘A United Approach to the International Sport Landscape in the Americas’ at the Greater Fort Lauderdale / Broward County Convention Center.

A bustling exhibition and additional social events will provide further opportunities for dozens of sports commissions, regions and cities from across the Americas to forge closer relationships and explore opportunities with the international sports movement.

The conference programme will feature influential speakers such as Raffaele Chiulli, President, SportAccord and GAISF; Andrew Ryan, Executive Director, ASOIF (Association of Summer Olympic International Federations); Stephan Fox, President, AIMS (Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport), Vice President, GAISF; Ivar Sisniega, Secretary General, Panam Sports; and Nadia Comăneci, Five-time Olympic Gymnastic Gold Medallist.

Speakers from the USA, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Chile, Mexico, El Salvador, Ecuador and Peru will also be featured on the programme, which will delve into topics including esports, good governance, social responsibility, knowledge transfer, safeguarding athletes, rebranding and the role of data in transforming host cities.

One of the speakers, Willie Banks, Council Member, World Athletics, two-time Olympian and former President of the US Olympians Association, said: “I am very happy that Regional SportAccord is taking place, because it is important that we communicate with each other about the strength of our region and find ways to improve the overall coordination of sport in the Americas.”

Prestigious Partners have also lined up to support the event, which is being hosted in Greater Fort Lauderdale / Broward County in partnership with International Sports & Health Associates and MGO Events.

Florida Sports Foundation, Greater Fort Lauderdale and Panam Sports have signed up as Gold Partners. The Silver Partners are Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance and Sarasota - Bradenton, while the Bronze Partners are CVB Leon, FITEQ (Fédération Internationale de Teqball) and Guadalajara.

The Top Media Partner is CNN, while the Official Media Partners are AFP, Connect Sports, Host City, iSportconnect, SportBusiness Group, Sportcal, SportsPro and Yutang Sports.

Nis Hatt, Managing Director, SportAccord, said: “We are immensely grateful for the strong support of all our Partners for this highly anticipated gathering.

“We have attracted a large number of representatives from the International Sports Federation community, as well as Ministries of Sport, National Olympic Committees, cities and regions across Pan America, underlining the strong commitment in supporting this inaugural edition.”

Follow Regional SportAccord via Twitter @sportaccord using #RSA2019, or keep up-to-date via LinkedIn and Facebook, YouTube and Flickr, and for media enquiries, email: info@regionalsportaccord.sport

[Source: SportAccord] Olympic gymnastics legend Nadia Comăneci has been confirmed as a keynote speaker at this year’s inaugural Regional SportAccord Pan America in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in December.

Comăneci became an international superstar in 1976 when, aged just 14, she became the first athlete to score a perfect 10 at the Olympic Games on her way to a haul of three gold medals in Montreal. The Romanian would go on to win a total of five Olympic gold medals and was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1996.

Since her retirement from competition she has enjoyed a successful career in coaching and business with her husband via the Oklahoma-based Bart Conner Gymnastics Academy. She is also an inspirational speaker and philanthropist, as well as the Honorary President of the Romanian Gymnastics Federation and Romanian Olympic Committee.

Comăneci, who has lived in the USA since the 1980s, will bring experiences garnered over four decades in both Europe and the Americas to a Fireside Chat that will kick off Day 3 of Regional SportAccord Pan America on Thursday, 12 December. Having forged a career in competition, coaching and administration, she will bring a unique perspective to a conference which has a theme of ‘A United Approach to the International Sport Landscape in the Americas’.

“I am tremendously excited to be taking part in the inaugural Regional SportAccord Pan America in Florida this December,” Comăneci says. “This is a golden opportunity for the sports sector from across the Americas to come together, exchange ideas and collaborate on the biggest issues affecting the events that we love.

“I am pleased to see that the protection of athletes and social responsibility are among the conference programme’s major themes and I look forward to sharing my own experiences of being a young athlete propelled on to the world stage. I want to talk about what federations and rights-holders can do to ensure the wellbeing of athletes.”

Comăneci is the latest major name from the world of sport to confirm their attendance at Regional SportAccord Pan America, which takes place at Greater Fort Lauderdale / Broward County Convention Center from 10-12 December 2019.

Raffaele Chiulli, President, SportAccord and GAISF will officially open the Regional SportAccord Pan America 2019 conference programme on Wednesday, 11 December. The tone of the conference will be set by a Keynote Address on The Changing Landscape of the International Sports World by Francesco Ricci Bitti, President, ASOIF (Association of Summer Olympic International Federations). Other confirmed high-profile speakers  include Stephan Fox, President, AIMS (Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport), Vice President, GAISF; Sarah Lewis OBE, Secretary General, AIOWF (Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations); and Andrew Ryan, Executive Director, ASOIF (Association of Summer Olympic International Federations).

Reflecting on Comăneci’s appearance, Raffaele Chiulli, President, SportAccord says: “We are honoured to welcome Nadia - one of the most celebrated athletes in the history of sport – to Regional SportAccord Pan America. Her ‘perfect 10’ in Montreal remains one of the Olympic Games’ most iconic moments more than four decades on.

“With her vast experience of elite competition, coaching and sports administration, as well as her extensive charity work in the Americas and around the world, her Fireside Chat will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of a compelling conference programme.”

Regional SportAccord Pan America 2019 will bring together the Pan American, Olympic and non-Olympic communities in one location, with the inaugural event set to attract sports commissions, regional, national and international governing bodies, sports ministries, rights-holders, cities and regions, commercial entities and agencies.

Registration is open for the event, hosted by SportAccord in partnership with Greater Fort Lauderdale, Florida Sports Foundation, International Sports & Health Associates and MGO. For information about becoming an Exhibitor or Partner, request a brochure or contact the sales team via info@regionalsportaccord.sport or +1 954 204 3081.

Follow Regional SportAccord via Twitter @sportaccord using #RSA2019, or keep up-to-date via LinkedIn and Facebook, YouTube and Flickr. For media enquiries, email: info@regionalsportaccord.sport

[Source: SportAccord] SportAccord has confirmed that esports, governance and rebranding strategies, protecting athletes and social responsibility will be among the key topics on the Regional SportAccord Pan America 2019 conference programme.

In announcing the theme of ‘A United Approach to the International Sport Landscape in the Americas’, SportAccord has also revealed several influential decision-makers as speakers at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, from 10-12 December 2019.

More leading sports administrators, business executives and iconic names from the sporting world will be unveiled over the coming weeks as participants in panel sessions, keynote addresses, fireside chats and workshops, ready to offer unique perspectives of the opportunities and challenges in relation to the Pan American region.

The tone of Regional SportAccord Pan America 2019 will be set by an opening Keynote Address on The Changing Landscape of the International Sports World by Francesco Ricci Bitti, President, ASOIF (Association of Summer Olympic International Federations).

A Panel Session on The Future of International Sports Governance will then feature Raffaele Chiulli, President, SportAccord and GAISF (Global Association of International Sports Federations); Stephan Fox, President, AIMS (Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport), Vice President, GAISF; Sarah Lewis OBE, Secretary General, AIOWF (Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations); and Andrew Ryan, Executive Director, ASOIF (Association of Summer Olympic International Federations)  

With the topics of anti-doping and protecting athletes set to be tackled in separate sessions, esports will also come under the spotlight, during a Esports 101 Scene Setter delivered by Vlad Marinescu, Vice President, IESF (International Esport Federation), President, UESF (United States eSports Federation) followed by his participation in a panel session with Philippe Gueisbuhler, Director, GAISF and other industry representatives.

International Sports Federation viewpoints will also be provided by the likes of Marius L. Vizer, President, International Judo Federation (IJF), and Ivo Ferriani, President of the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) and Executive Board Member, International Olympic Committee. Representatives of sports organisations and governing bodies in the Americas will focus on how ‘win-win’ relationships can be nurtured with athletes.

A Panel Session on Social Responsibility in Sport will focus on equality, diversity and inclusion and will be joined by Jason Jenkins, VP Community Relations, Miami Dolphins.

The industry’s sharpest commercial brains will also be on hand to offer advice about rebranding opportunities joined by Jim Scherr, CEO, World Lacrosse, while a workshop will provide ‘Panam Tools for International Federations’.

Raffaele Chiulli, President, SportAccord and GAISF, said: “As a gateway to the Americas, Regional SportAccord will equip International Sports Federations and sports entities with the knowhow and connections required to engage the region.

“The conference programme theme underlines the importance of the international sports movement working collaboratively to explore new horizons.”

Nis Hatt, Managing Director, SportAccord, said: “The conference programme is at the heart of the drive to connect sport’s key decision-makers and exchange knowledge in the context of Pan America and its vast and varied population of one billion people.

“The theme reflects the inspiration behind the creation of Regional SportAccord and we are thrilled to have secured so many first-class speakers already, with many more to be unveiled in the coming weeks.”

Regional SportAccord Pan America 2019 will bring together the Pan American, Olympic and non-Olympic communities in one location, with the inaugural event set to attract sports commissions, regional, national and international governing bodies, sports ministries, rights-holders, cities and regions, commercial entities and agencies.

Registration is open for the event, hosted by SportAccord in partnership with Greater Fort Lauderdale, Florida Sports Foundation, International Sports & Health Associates and MGO.

For information about becoming an Exhibitor or Partner, request a brochure or contact the sales team via info@regionalsportaccord.sport or +1 954 204 3081.

Follow Regional SportAccord via Twitter @sportaccord using #RSA2019, or keep up-to-date via LinkedIn and Facebook, YouTube and Flickr.