International Beach Games Coming to the Real. Fun. Beach.

For the second time in 2021, a Sunshine State Games event will make its first appearance in a Florida community when the International Beach Games are held in Panama City Beach.

The International Beach Games, which debuted in the Sunshine State Games in 2016, are scheduled for August 13-15, with Beach Soccer, Beach Volleyball and Highland Games events, to be held at Aaron Bessant Park, Pier Park and M.B. Miller County Pier.  The 2021 International Beach Games is presented in conjunction with the Visit Panama City Beach.

The International Beach Games was created to bring another element into the annual Sunshine State Games events, taking advantage of one of Florida’s top tourism attractions, its pristine Gulf of Mexico beaches, for sports competitions.

Panama City Beach, named the top 3 beach in the United States by Trip Advisor, has 27 miles of beautiful beaches to choose from. 
Beach Soccer will be played on Saturday, August 14-15 on the Gulf of Mexico Beach at M.B. Miller County Pier.  Beach Soccer is played on a 40 yards long by 30 yards wide area with five players, including a goalie, per team.

On Friday, August 13, a Beach Soccer Officials and Players clinic will be presented at the M.B. Miller County Pier, from 5:00-6:30 p.m. The Beach Soccer location is three miles east of Pier Park, where Beach Volleyball and the Highland Games will be played.

The seven-event Highland Games features a variety of throws, that include stones, a weighted burlap bag thrown with a pitchfork and tossing the caber (tree trunks). Competition will be held Saturday, August 14, at Aaron Bessant Park, adjacent to Pier Park and located across the street from the Gulf of Mexico.
Beach Volleyball courts will be set up at across the street from Pier Park, Panama City Beach’s premier shopping and entertainment complex, Saturday, August 14 and Sunday, August 15.

Registration and competition information for the three sports of the International Beach Games, that are open to athletes of all ages, is available at www.SunshineStateGames.com/Beach-Games.  Entry fees vary by sport and the registration deadline is Saturday, August 7.
The events of the Sunshine State Games International Beach Games are free and the public is encouraged to attend.  Volunteer opportunities are also available for those wishing to be a part of the Sunshine State Games without competing. Visit www.sunshinestategames.com/volunteers/ for more information.

Tentative Schedule for 2021 Sunshine State Games International Beach Games
Saturday, August 7
Online Registration Deadline for Beach Soccer, Beach Volleyball and Highland Games
Friday, August 13
5:00 p.m.: Beach Soccer Officials and Players Clinic, M.B. Miller County Pier, Free and Open to the Public
Saturday, August 14
9:00 a.m.: Beach Soccer, M.B. Miller County Pier
9:00 a.m.: Highland Games, Aaron Bessant Park
TBA: Beach Volleyball, Pier Park
Sunday, August 15
9:00 a.m.: Beach Soccer, M.B. Miller County Pier
TBA: Beach Volleyball, Pier Park

In 2021, over 3,100 athletes have competed in 15 Sunshine State Games sports since the annual calendar began in March.  Following the International Beach Games, the 42^nd Annual Sunshine State Games continues with Sport Shooting events, through November. For more information about events of the Sunshine State Games, the longest continuously running State Games in the U.S., visit www.SunshineStateGames.com.