ALACHUA COUNTY, FL – World Masters Athletics (WMA), the international governing body for track & field, cross country, road race, and racewalk for athletes 35+, announced Jan. 10, 2024, that Alachua County will host the 2025 WMA Indoor Championships (WMACi25).

This will mark the first time the event has been held in the United States, giving Alachua County the honor of being the first U.S. community to host. In the WMA announcement, WMA Council President Margit Jungmann thanked the Alachua County, Gainesville Sports Commission and RADD Sports for hosting the 2025 Indoor Championships.

“We are confident their team is exceptionally qualified and capable of organizing a World Championship as they support over seventy sporting events annually,” she said. “It will be special having outdoor events in warmer average temperatures than previous Championships and returning to North America.” 

The WMACi25 is held every two years and features 24 events, including competition in indoor track & field, cross country, road race and outdoor throwing events over eight days.

In 2024, over 4,000 athletes participated in the championships in Torun, Poland. The event is estimated to bring over 10,000 visitors to Alachua County in March 2025, with 60% coming from international destinations.

“My fellow commissioners and I want to thank the WMA Council and its member federations for choosing us to host this amazing international event. We are excited to welcome the world in 2025! We will provide a wonderful experience for all our regional, national, and international visitors,” Stated Mary Alford, Chair of the Alachua County Commission. “Alachua County’s experience hosting major events, our world-class facilities and amenities, rich sports history, and cultural, natural, and entertainment offerings make it the ideal location for the World Masters Indoor Championships.”

The bid committee is a collaborative effort between Alachua County, Viking Companies, Celebration Pointe, RADDSports, Visit Gainesville/Alachua County and Gainesville Sports Commission, which began in May 2023. Now awarded, the Alachua County Local Organizing Committee will be activated to organize this major international event.

“We look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts with the State of Florida, Alachua County, and our community partners to introduce Alachua County to the world stage,” said Celebration Pointe developer Svein Dyrkolbotn. “This success demonstrates the power of sport tourism to bring exposure to our community as a destination.”

The opening of the Alachua County Sports and Events Center (ACSEC) at Celebration Pointe was the catalyst for landing the championships when the center hosted a pre-opening indoor track and field season in early 2023. The announcement comes just ahead of the 2024 indoor track & field series at the ACSEC, featuring 16 total meets, with four collegiate conference championships and a national championship.

The state-of-the-art indoor track facility was made possible through an appropriation by the State of Florida with the support of the Alachua County local State delegation.

“This announcement, and very special event, will put Florida on the world stage to showcase talented athletes from across the globe,” said state Rep. Chuck Clemons,Florida House Speaker Pro-Tempore. “The economic impacts of this event, and games like it, have on our community are opportunities that all Florida communities pray for.”

View the official WMA announcement.

Learn more about the Alachua County Sports and Event Center.

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GAINESVILLE, FLA.- Jan. 11, 2024 – Today marks a momentous occasion as ICI Homes breaks ground on its latest philanthropic endeavor, ICI Homes for Hope. In collaboration with local vendors and subcontractors, ICI Homes will construct a home in the Oakmont community. The net profits from the sale of this home will be generously donated to four deserving charities in the Greater Gainesville region:

• Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UF Health
• Junior Achievement of Alachua County
• Pace Center for Girls Alachua
• Rex & Brody Foundation

"This initiative is a testament to our unwavering dedication to philanthropy and our desire to make a positive impact on the communities we serve," emphasized Joe Blanco, ICI Homes' North Florida Division Manager.

Mayor Harvey Ward and Eric Godet, President and CEO of the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, were present at this important event. Both commended the project's positive influence on the community.

“ICI Homes, you keep raising the bar.” Eric Godet went on to share, “That’s something that we want to continue to do in our community, to think out of the box and continue to raise the bar on how we can help those who live in our community and especially those who are less fortunate.”

"ICI Homes for Hope is more than just a building project; it's an opportunity to create lasting change and strengthen our community's foundation of compassion and generosity," added Blanco.

Embarking on this journey of giving back, ICI Homes for Hope aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. Stay updated on the latest developments by following ICI Homes for Hope on Facebook or reaching out to us at HomesForHope@ICIHomes.com.

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Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA ‒ It was smiles galore at the Alachua Police Department’s (APD) annual Shop with a Cop event as local children experienced some special holiday cheer courtesy of local law enforcement.

The event has become a holiday tradition for APD, City of Alachua staff, and volunteers. APD reported that this year 50 children from local schools were treated with a shopping spree at Walmart. Each child was given a $100 gift card to spend on any items they wished, which for many included gifts for family members.

Excitement began to build early with a police escort to and from a local Walmart where the shopping spree took place. And as children, armed with their $100 in purchasing power, browsed the store aisles, their joy was evident in their smiling faces. Today was their day to do more than just window shop, but instead to peruse their options and buy that special item.

About the event, APD noted, “The success of Shop with a Cop relies heavily on the kindness and dedication of sponsors and volunteers like you. Your contribution has not only brought joy to the children involved but has also strengthened the bond between our officers and the community we serve.”

Shop with a Cop will undoubtedly be a day to remember in the lives of the children who had the opportunity to not only make their Christmas a happy one, but also a joyous occasion for their families as well.

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