Birmingham, Alabama, will be the site of the 2017 National Senior Games.
The Senior Games are billed as the world's largest sporting event for people over 50, attracting thousands of competitors and spectators.
The games began in 1987 in St. Louis and are played every two years.
"When we looked at the number of athletes and how long they would be staying and the amount of visitor who come to watch the games, we were excited by the possibilities," Chuck Faush, Mayor William Bell's chief of staff, told AL.com. "We're going to be spread throughout the city."
The event includes 19 sports for men and women including archery, badminton, bowling, cycling, golf, racquetball and swimming. The next event is 2015 in Bloomington, Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN.
The city's successful application comes after previous 2013 and 2015 bids.
The National Senior Games Association, in June visited the Birmingham area. The Alabama Sports Foundation and Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau in July made a presentation to the association's board of directors.
"Almost five years ago Mayor Bell set out for the city to be a sport and entertainment destination," Faushsaid. "We have been working hard toward that goal and a lot of things are starting to pay off. That includesthe Senior Games and working collaboratively with the Sports Foundation, as well as other groups who are looking to have Birmingham be considered for big time events."
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