JACKSON: SPORTS CAPITAL OF THE MID SOUTH AGAIN THIS WEEKEND

More than 137 sports teams and 1,000 runners and walkers will travel to Jackson to compete and participate in sporting events over the upcoming weekend. The Mid America Youth Basketball Tournament, Little General’s 5K Run/Fun Walk, Jumpstart Jackson’s Community Wellness Walk as well as baseball and softball games at the West Tennessee Healthcare Sportsplex are expected to attract about 7,000 people to Jackson.

Mid America Basketball Youth will host the first of a series of three basketball tournaments over the spring and summer in Jackson at Northside High School, Jackson Central Merry, Rose Hill Middle School and Tigrett Middle School where over 60 teams will compete.  West Tennessee Healthcare Sportsplex will host 77 teams with the USSSA “Baseball Blast” and the USGF “Fastpitch Fever” games.

At Union University runners will compete in the Little General’s 5K Run and 1 mile Fun Walk benefitting the Pediatric Unit at Jackson Madison County General Hospital.  Across town at the Carl Perkins Civic Center, Jumpstart Jackson kicks off their Annual Community Wellness Walk through downtown.

“We are fortunate to have sports destinations and venues like West Tennessee Healthcare Sportsplex and the Jackson Madison County School System,” said Lori Nunnery, Executive Director of the Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau.  “Sports Tourism plays an integral part in raising the profile of our community and is increasingly seen as part of a broader tourism strategy.  The sporting events, along with the Casey Jones Day and Celebrate Art Festival in the Casey Jones Village, help to make this a great weekend of fun. ”

“Besides the benefits of increased media exposure that will have long-term effects on tourism, these events bring people and a substantial financial impact.  No matter who walks away with the trophy at the end of the tournament, the Jackson-Madison County economy is set to be the big winner.”