Lee County will host the 2016 USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festival – River Romp from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, through Sunday, Oct. 16, at North Shore Park, 13019 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers. Presented by Edison Sailing Center in collaboration with US Sailing, the River Romp will feature sailors ages 8 to 18, with some events up to age 21, competing in Laser, Radial, Laser 4.7, Optimist and C420 classes. Now in its 21st year, the sailing festival is a nationwide series of youth sailing regattas with an overall goal to encourage the enjoyment of sailing and skill development among sailors of all skill levels.
More than 250 sailors are anticipated to compete in the festival. Last year’s event generated approximately 400 hotel room nights, $2,000 in resort tax and $150,000 in direct economic impact.
“The sailing event will showcase our nation’s most talented young sailors, many of whom are on the pathway to the Olympics,” said Jeff Mielke, executive director of Lee County Sports Development. “We’re looking forward to an exciting competition and a great opportunity for sailing fans and spectators to see these gifted athletes in action along Southwest Florida waters.”
Lee County Sports Development was created in 2003 to meet the growing demand for sports development in Lee County, and is recognized by the Florida Sports Foundation as one of the state’s 25 Regional Sports Commissions. The Lee County Sports Development office leads the recruitment and implementation of amateur and professional sports events and activities in Lee County, with the goal of providing economic impact to Lee County. Through local partnerships with Lee County Parks & Recreation and others, the Lee County Sports Development office provides services designed to address the needs of local, national and international sports entities including housing, access to venues, event management, transportation assistance, event promotion, marketing and local sponsorship opportunities. For more information, call 239-533-5273 or visit www.leegov.com/sports.
