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Pensacola Sports Awards Grants to Support Events, Youth Development and Sports Tourism

PENSACOLA, Fla. (April 9, 2026) — Pensacola Sports continues to invest in the region’s quality of life and economic vitality through its Fiscal Year 2025–2026 third-quarter grant awards, supporting a range of sports tourism events and community-based programs across Escambia County and beyond.

Pensacola Sports administers grants to organizations and events that align with its mission to promote healthy, active lifestyles while driving economic impact through sports. 

Sports Tourism Grant Awards for the third quarter include

  • USSSA 2026 Spring and Summer Events
  • Golden Elite Track & Field, AAU Junior Olympic Regional Qualifier
  • Five Flags Speedway, Blizzard Series
  • Pine Forest High School, FHSAA Region 1 Track & Field Meet

These events are expected to bring athletes, families and spectators to the Pensacola area, generating hotel stays, restaurant visits and increased economic activity. Pensacola Sports’ tourism-focused grants emphasize return on investment and out-of-market visitation. 

Community Grant Awards for the quarter include:

  • The First Tee Gulf Coast, Skills Challenge
  • The First Tee Gulf Coast, Annual Divot Derby
  • Golden Elite Track & Field, 3rd Annual Justin Gatlin Freshman & Sophomore Invitational

Community grants support programs that expand access to sports, encourage youth participation and strengthen the local sports ecosystem. Since its inception, the Pensacola Sports grant program has contributed significant funding to organizations that advance youth development and community engagement through athletics. 

“Each of these grants represents an opportunity to create meaningful experiences through sports,” said Ray Palmer, president and CEO of Pensacola Sports. “From attracting visitors to developing young athletes, these events and programs continue to shape a stronger, healthier community.”

Pensacola Sports awards grants on a quarterly basis to organizations serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, with a focus on enhancing both community impact and sports tourism growth.

For more information about the Pensacola Sports grant program, visit pensacolasports.org/grants.

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