Alabama's Gulf Coast Sports Commission

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Annual Powerboat Races on Alabama's Beaches Cancelled for 2009

3/18/2009

GULF SHORES and ORANGE BEACH, Ala. - The Gulf Coast Powerboat Association (GCPA) announces that the 7th Annual Thunder on the Gulf has been cancelled due to the current economic environment. Originally scheduled for August 13-16, 2009 in Orange Beach, Ala., these powerboat races have become a summer tradition for many families.

“This cancellation is disappointing news to our board members, race fans and local charities that benefited from funds generated by Thunder on the Gulf,” said John Brunick, president of the GCPA. “This decision by our board of directors was extremely difficult but we believe it was the best decision under the circumstances.”

Last year, the GCPA partnered with the Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission and its parent organization the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) to produce a successful event.

Generating more traffic for Pleasure Island businesses, these powerboat races produced 12, 312 additional room nights for local accommodations, which resulted in almost $1.8 million in total lodging revenue. At the end of the weekend, race fans left behind about $4.2 million in total island spending.

“We understand and support the difficult decision of the GCPA,” said Herb Malone, president/CEO of the CVB. “The Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission joins with the GCPA to thank our loyal race fans who have supported this annual event, and we look forward to inviting them back for a bigger and better Thunder on the Gulf in 2010.”

Information about the 2010 Thunder on the Gulf races will be posted at www.thunderonthegulf.com, as it becomes available.

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