Space Coast to Host Florida Senior Games Dec. 3-14, More Than 1,000 Athletes Will Compete in Seven Sports

Senior Games was awarded a $12,000 grant by the TDC and its Sports sub-committee

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Florida Senior Games, operated by the Florida Sports Foundation, will be held in Brevard County from Dec. 3-14 as more than 1,000 athletes will be competing in seven sports.

The Olympic-style games originally were scheduled to be held in Broward County but organizers opted to move a number of the events to Brevard, in part because the competitors, ages 50 and up, would feel safer in a county that has been less of a hot spot for COVID-19 cases.

Brevard also successfully hosted the Amateur Athletic Union’s Junior Olympic Games and Sunshine State Games from July 26 to August 9.

Space Coast Office of Tourism Executive Director Peter Cranis said a total of 3,853 athletes participated in the Junior Olympics in Brevard, including 3,350 who live outside the county.

Organizers say the event generated 9,769 nights of hotel room rentals.

“An event like this is really a boost for us during a slow pre-holiday time,” Cranis said.

“The economic impact of events like this cannot be underestimated. It is why we offer incentives to groups like these – because of the positive impact they have on businesses and the communities the events are held in.”

The Senior Games was awarded a $12,000 grant by the TDC and its Sports sub-committee and approved by the Board of County Commissioners earlier in November.

Events and Venues:

■ Track & Field, Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy in Melbourne
■ Bowling at River Lanes Family Entertainment Center in Titusville
■ Golf at Duran Golf Club in Viera
■ 5,000-meter power walking and race walking at Holy Trinity
■ 5K run at Ryckman Park in Melbourne Beach
■ Swimming at Cocoa Beach Aquatic Center

The same COVID-19 protocols that were used for the Junior Olympics will be used for these events which include track & field, bowling, golf, race walking and swimming.

Cranis said the event is likely to generate 1,000 to 1,500 room nights.

“With AAU Vice President Rusty Buchanan, we have been able to attract another real coup for Brevard County this year,” said TDC Board Member Giles Malone.

“All of the hospitality industry will benefit from this event in December and it will be a great shot in the arm for a local economy.”

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