The Sporting Life

For devotees of virtually every major competitive sport—that doesn’t require snow for its playing surface—it’s a safe bet you will find plenty of activities throughout Southwest Florida to both challenge and enhance your athletic abilities. In fact, at Bradenton’s renowned IMG Academy, not only is it a safe bet.  It’s a sure thing. Superstar Alumni Famously known as the preeminent training site for many of the world’s top professional and elite amateur athletes, as well as gifted young student athletes, IMG’s alumni include such tennis superstars as Andre Agassi, Maria Sharapova, and Serena and Venus Williams. Luminaries from other sports, including LPGA great Paula Creamer trained there, as have NFL star quarterbacks Eli Manning and Cam Newton—who also took home the Heisman Trophy in 2010. Speaking of trophies, since opening its doors in 1978, athletes who have trained at IMG Academy have won 32 Olympic gold medals, 29 world championships, 63 MVP awards, 5 national titles, 107 major championships, 131 all-star spots, 900 tournaments and 3 Heisman Trophies.  Founder Nick Bollettieri, whose pioneering concept of integrating elite academics and athletics has produced a steady stream of the world’s top collegiate and professional tennis players, was recently inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Unmatched Facilities Today’s IMG Academy offers 450 acres of world-class facilities and immaculately maintained playing fields and surfaces. Its new multi-sport complex features a 5,000-seat stadium, which serves as the home venue for the academy’s football, lacrosse, soccer, track & field and cross country programs; in addition to serving as a venue for national and international competition.   For the everyday athlete, a lesser-known fact about IMG Academy is that any sports enthusiast —regardless of age or level of playing ability—can enroll in a number of programs to help polish-up their game or improve their overall level of physical performance. Throughout the year, the Academy offers one-week or multi-week youth camps in eight sports, as well as adult programming in tennis, golf, athletic and personal development. Adult programs vary in lengths—including half-, full-, 3-day or 5-day sessions. Housing Opportunities For out-of-area enrollees, a wide range of overnight or longer-term rental accommodations are available, ranging from fully furnished three- and four-bedroom villas or club suites on campus to every type of off-campus housing—including luxury waterfront homes and golf course villas. To learn more about the Academy’s programs for active adults, visit imgacademy.com . The Appeal of Southwest Florida During their time at IMG Academy, many adult trainees and parents of student-athletes are bound to discover the myriad pleasures of living along Southwest Florida’s magnificent Cultural Coast.  From award-winning white sand beaches, to the region’s celebrated smorgasbord of the arts, culture, fine cuisine and superb retail establishments, ours is a lifestyle that supports virtually every active, warm weather lifestyle.  Many international families—whose children attend IMG Academy—frequently purchase homes or condominiums nearby to partake of the region’s culturally-rich lifestyle while supporting their children’s high academic and athletic goals. If the IMG Academy experience appeals to you, be sure to visit michaelsaunders.com to learn how we can match your individual lifestyle or training goals with numerous nearby housing options.  Our dedicated on-campus office—located at 5500 34th Street West—is just inside the Academy’s main gate, and can be reached by phoning (941) 752-2683. Visit the IMG Academy campus and let our knowledgeable real estate experts familiarize you with the wide array of neighborhoods and properties that will help ease you into the region’s active, year-round lifestyle.  That way, no matter where you live in Sarasota or Manatee Counties, you’ll always be assured of living within a stone’s throw of the sporting life.