Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, has revealed the 2024 Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism. This year’s winners are responsible for contributing a more-than-welcome boost of over $1.88 billion to the national economy over the past year.

Among the winners was the YMCA National Gymnastics Championship & Invitational, produced by the Willow Grove YMCA in cooperation with Valley Forge Sports, the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, and Villanova University.

The YMCA National Gymnastics Championship & Invitational, hosted this past June, was the largest indoor event ever held in Montgomery County, with over 1,900 gymnasts traveling to the area from 81 YMCAs across the country. This new-to-the-area event brought in an estimated 6,000 room nights and an estimated $7 million in economic impact.

The 2024 YMCA National Gymnastics Championships was hosted at two exceptional venues that significantly enhanced the overall experience:

• Villanova University: The Dream Dance Party at Villanova Stadium and the Grand March-In to the Opening Ceremony at Finneran Pavilion provided a picturesque and dynamic setting that elevated the excitement and grandeur of the event.

• Greater Philadelphia Expo Center: Serving as the competition venue, the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center offered unparalleled accessibility, ample parking, and a family-friendly environment. Surrounding amenities, including restaurants and entertainment options, further enriched the experience for athletes, coaches, and spectators alike.

“The 2024 YMCA National Gymnastics Championships & Invitational is not just an event; it’s a culmination of hard work, dedication, and the spirit of community,” said Mubarak “Mo” Simmons, Gymnastics Director at Willow Grove YMCA. “This championship highlighted the incredible talents of young gymnasts from across the nation. Hosting this significant event in Montgomery County and working alongside Valley Forge Sports has been a remarkable experience. Their support has been instrumental in bringing this event to life, and we were thrilled to showcase the athletic excellence and supportive community that defines the YMCA in such a dynamic setting.”

“This event was a beautiful example of how sports bring the community together,” said Rachel Dailey, Associate Director of Sports for Valley Forge Sports. “That’s our job. With this event, we were able to bring impact to different parts of the county, partner with local businesses, and create broad economic impact. The Willow Grove Y came to us with this opportunity, and we were thrilled to jump on board and help make it the best event it could be.”

All winners of awards have been recognized in a special feature published in the November/December 2024 issue of Sports Destination Management. The entire article with full details on the winners listed below can also be found here.

About Sports Destination Management

Sports Destination Management is written for the largest audience of sports event managers and tournament directors in the sports tourism market and maintains a focus on the important issues surrounding event location decisions and event management. With content from experts and thought leaders, SDM provides in-depth coverage of sports event planning and execution through incisive and relevant articles as well as insightful, real-world case studies showcasing best practices and successful event production.

In addition to the publication, SDM offers extensive digital resources and the e-newsletter SDM Blitz, both providing decision support tools for organizers to ensure successful events at all levels of play.

About Valley Forge Sports

Montgomery County continues to be a premier destination to host sports tournaments, and the Valley Forge Sports team of the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board is proving just that. The team is proud to have hosted 40+ events this past summer, with a total of 18 different sports and 13 events new to the area. Events this summer contributed an estimated 47,000 room nights sold, and an estimated $50 million in economic impact.

Valley Forge is easily accessible from several major highways, just a few miles from Philadelphia. With more than 80 hotels, there’s more than one within a short drive of all sports facilities. Everyone in the family will find something to do with a wide range of attractions and shopping.

Learn more about VFTCB’s Valley Forge Sports and discover all the ways to enjoy and explore the Valley Forge/Montgomery County area. Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board is a nonprofit, membership-based sales and marketing organization that actively promotes Valley Forge and Montgomery County as a convention site and leisure visitor destination by encouraging patronage of its 600+ member hotels, restaurants, attractions, and services.