CHARLESTON, W.Va. — More than 500 athletes will be in Charleston this weekend for the annual SportsFEST competition.
“They’ll be doing everything from jet ski racing, jet ski acrobatics, professional beach volleyball, martial arts going on,” said Tim Brady, vice president of sales and marketing with the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The CVB is hosting the event on Magic Island this Saturday and Sunday.
Brady said a lot of training is involved before athletes arrive in Charleston.
“Especially with the jet ski racing, this is the last stop on their annual tour. This is where their championship is awarded, so these guys have been racing all year long. It all culminates here in Charleston,” he said.
The event is free and open to the public.
“There’s no ticket. You just need to get down to Magic Island and watch some really great extreme sports,” Brady said.
SportsFEST is a big economic driver for the city. Brady said they bring in about $400 million for the two-day event.
“It all goes back to hotel rooms, money spent in restaurants, money spent in stores, buy gas while they’re in town,” he said.
Vendors will be on hand to sell food, beverages and more.
New activities this year include: Smashy Ball, paddleboarding, and a 2-mile swim. SportsFEST competitions are appropriate for all age groups and all are free to the public.
A full SportsFEST Schedule can be found below:
Saturday, Aug. 19 – Start Times
7 a.m. YMCA Open Swim
8 a.m. Appalachian Boarding (closed-course race)
9 a.m. EVP Rocks the River (beach volleyball)
10 a.m. Charlie West Slalom Skateboarding
10 a.m. Pro Watercross National Championship (jet skiing)
10 a.m. Smashy Ball
10 a.m. WV Grappling BJJ
11 a.m. Kanawha Valley PDGA Putting Competition
Sunday, Aug. 20 – Start Times
9 a.m. EVP Rocks the River (beach volleyball)
10 a.m. Pro Watercross National Championship (jet skiing)
2 p.m. Ultimate Frisbee
For more information about SportsFEST, CLICK HERE.