Posted on Jun 28, 2011 - 09:56 AM

USA Youth Track & Field Championships in Myrtle Beach This Week

USA Track & Field (USATF) hosts its 2011 USA Youth Outdoor Track & Field Championships today through Sunday at Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium, bringing more than 3,000 youth athletes and their families to the Myrtle Beach area. The six-day competition for athletes ages 7 to 18 is a first-year event for the Grand Strand and is projected to generate over $7 million in direct visitor spending within city limits and around 15,000 room nights.

“We’re thrilled to see this event come to the Myrtle Beach area. The Grand Strand is an ideal location for the USATF to hold their World Youth Trials as we’re a family-friendly destination that is able to provide the athletes and their family members with plenty to do on and off the track and field,” said Mark Beale, Sports Sales Manager for the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB.

A collaborative partnership among the Myrtle Beach Area CVB, the USATF South Carolina Association and the city of Myrtle Beach helped to secure the bid for 2011 USA Youth Outdoor Championships at USATF’s 2009 Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, IN. The event is open to the public and tickets may be purchased at the Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium box office. Prices start at $8 for daily admission and competition takes place daily from June 28-July 3 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

During the first two days of the youth championships, separate events will be held for the best 16- and 17-year-old boys and girls who have achieved qualifying standards for entry and participation in the World Youth Track & Field Trials. The winners of these events will be considered for selection to the 2011 USA World Youth Team and will leave Myrtle Beach immediately for the IAAF World Youth Championships in Lille, France.

For a complete schedule, ticket information or to learn more, visit www.usatf.org.