GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, ALA. – BP, an annual sponsor for the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission (GSOBSC) and an Olympic sponsor, will provide more than 1,500 student athletes participating in the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) State Track Championship the chance to interact with Olympic decathlon medalist, Bryan Clay.

Born in Texas and raised in Hawaii, Clay competed in track and field in high school and college and continued his athletic career by training to become part of the 2004 and 2008 USA Olympic teams. The accomplished athlete nabbed the silver medal in the 2004 Olympic decathlon, gold in the 2008 Olympics and first place in the 2005 World Championships, among many other successes.

“BP is pleased to partner with the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission and Team USA to bring Olympic Gold Medalist and World Champion decathlete Bryan Clay to this year’s high school track and field championships,” said Philip Stiell, manager of community relations for BP America. “Bryan is an excellent example of success both on and off the field and embodies the values of teamwork, commitment and perseverance our student athletes will need for their own success.”

Representing classes 4A through 6A, athletes will compete in 17 events including shot put, discus, javelin, long jump, triple jump, pole vault, hurdles, dash and relay at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex (19025 Oak Road West).

“The AHSAA is proud to partner with the Cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for the 4A-6A State Track Meet,” said Wanda Gilliland, assistant director for AHSAA. “The new track is great, and the AHSAA looks forward to working with everyone for the next three years. Special thanks to all the volunteers, city governments, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach CVB and Sports Commission.”

Additionally, as the GSOBSC along with the City of Gulf Shores welcome athletes, families and fans to the area, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy a recently completed $550,000 track renovation at the sportsplex including resurfacing and other improvements. Admission to the event is $10 per day.

“It’s always an honor to welcome student athletes representing our state, and thanks to BP, they will have the opportunity to interact with phenomenal Olympic talent,” said Beth Gendler, vice president of sales for the GSOBSC. “We’re particularly excited to show off Gulf Shores’ fantastic track renovations as the facility hosts its first major event since the upgrades took place. We’re also honored to welcome NAIA as they visit the facility in anticipation for future events.”

For information on upcoming athletic events along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, visit www.gulfshoresorangebeachsports.com, or call 1-800-745-SAND.