Sept. 10, 2005
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. -- The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce will continue their partnership with a one-year contract extension that will keep the NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships in Johnson City, Tenn. through 2006. The 2006 men's and women's national championships will be contested March 9-11 at the Eastern Tennessee State University Memorial Center Mini-Dome.
Johnson City has successfully hosted the event for the last five years. Approximately 120 member institutions sponsor Indoor Track & Field and over 900 student-athletes will compete in the event. The 2006 championships mark the 41st anniversary for the men and the 26th year for the women.
"We are proud to extend our contract with Johnson City," said NAIA President and CEO Steve Baker. "We know Johnson City will continue to provide a quality event for our student-athletes."
Johnson City has fully embraced the NAIA Champions of Character program, impacting more than 1,000 elementary students each year through visits at local elementary schools. Last year, Johnson City Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Kiwanis Clubfor a weeklong event promoting Champions of Character, including presentations on the five core character values of respect, integrity, responsibility, servant leadership, and sportsmanship.
Convention and Business Bureau Sports Development Manager Karen Hubbs said, "We are thrilled to have the NAIA coming back. Our partnership has been a positive one for all involved, especially our community."
Lindenwood University (Mo.) won the 2005 men's title while Oklahoma Baptist University was crowned the 2005 women's champion.
