GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH – For the eighth year, Gulf Shores | Orange Beach Sports & Events will host the NAIA Men’s & Women’s Outdoor Track & Field National Championships alongside with city of Gulf Shores at Mickey Miller Blackwell Stadium at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex May 25-27.

Approximately 1,300 student-athletes from colleges across the country will contend for the championship titles in a variety of track and field disciplines and experience Alabama’s coastal communities.

“The NAIA has become part of our extended family,” said Michelle Russ, STS, vice president of sales, sports and events for GSOB Sports & Events. “Student-athletes, fans and families come to our beach towns each year to compete and leave behind a lasting affect far beyond economic impact. These servant leaders invest in our community through the NAIA’s Champions of Character program and many families extend their stays or come back for vacations when they fall in love with the area.”

Part of NAIA’s mission in each community it competes in is making an impact beyond athletics. Teams will participate in a Teaming Up for Character™ event benefitting the Christian Service Center’s backpack program as part of the NAIA’s Champions of Character® program. The local community is invited to donate designated items beforehand or during the event. Those interested in contributing to this impactful event may contact Ashley Wilson at AWilson@GulfShores.com.

To learn more about the NAIA, visit NAIA.org. For information on upcoming athletic events along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, visit GSOBsports.com, or call 1-800-745-SAND.