World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships
Are Officially Underway
On Saturday night over 3,700 participants from 98 countries ushered in a historic first, not only for Alachua County, but for the United States. The World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships are now officially open and on American soil for the first time.
The Opening Ceremonies featured a variety of local dignitaries including Alachua County Commission Chair Charles Chestnut, IV, U.S. House Rep Kat Cammack and Miss Florida 2024, Casana Fink. The Gainesville Orchestra performed music from the critically acclaimed “Wicked” with honors also bestowed upon Athletes of the Year, Neringa Jaksteine and Willi Klaus. “What an amazing evening and a dream come true” said Margit Jungmann WMA President. “The journey started 16 months ago when we arrived in Alachua Country and began building our friendships and partnerships. Now it’s here and what a wonderful start with the athletes and the culture.”
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- Dance Alive Ballet
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- Dance Alive Ballet
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- Dance Alive Ballet
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- Margit Jungmann
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- Kat Cammack
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- Charles Chestnut
Photos by Lutwin Jungmann
Photos by ShaggysPhotos.com
Sunday morning saw the start of competition with two locations hosting events. At 9AM, the W60 division got the Pentathlon hurdles underway at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center. At the West End facility, at 9AM, the W70+ and M70+ cross country race began. Over 45 events and heats were on the docket including the aforementioned hurdles and cross country competitions to go along with the Women’s 60m in each age group and the 800m in both men’s and women’s.
Key Event Highlights:
- Competition Dates: March 23-30, 2025
- Locations: Alachua County Sports and Events Center, Celebration Pointe
- Open 5K Road Race: March 29, 2025, following the WMA 10K Road Race at Celebration Pointe (registration at wmaci2025.com)
- Volunteer Opportunities: Available throughout the week (sign-up at wmaci2025.com)
- Admissions: Free for spectators
- Athlete Village: Open daily from 10am – 9pm, with live entertainment vendors and more. Vendor opportunities can be found at wmaci2025.com/vendors/
Media Information:
- Local media are invited to attend. Media credentials can be requested through the official event website: wmaci2025.com/media-accreditation/
- The Media Center will be located at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center and will be open to credentialed media throughout the competition.
- General schedule and competition details are available at wmaci2025.com
Event Resources:
Event Website: wmaci2025.com
Email: info@wmaci2025.com
