March 2016

Inside this issue:

NASC Member Services Update Call for Volunteers Tips from the Mentoring Committee NASC Sports Legacy Fund Preview: The State of Sport Tourism Industry Report 2016 NASC Sports Event Symposium Preview

#SPoRTToURISM

LookINg To ShARE yoUR ExPERTISE?

Information-sharing is a founding principle of the NASC, and the industry knowledge among the NASC membership lends itself to unprecedented expertise.

The NASC encourages members to share information with your peers. Contact Elizabeth Young, Director of Membershipand Marketing, at elizabeth@sportscommissions.org to learn more about how you can contribute to a future edition of The NASC Playbook.

And don’t forget to share your news to be included in NASC Get in the Game eNews each week. Simply have your media relations department add info@sportscommissions.org to its distribution list.

NATIoNAL hEAdqUARTERS9916 Carver Road, Suite 100Cincinnati, OH 45242

TELEPhoNE/FAx(513) 281-3888/(513) 281-1765

WEbSITEwww.SportsCommissions.org

STAFFDon Schumacher, CSEE, Executive DirectorLori Gamble, Associate Executive DirectorElizabeth Young, Director of Membership & MarketingMeagan McCalla, Member Services CoordinatorMichelle Long, Member Services Intern

boARd oF dIRECToRSoFFICERSGreg Ayers, CSEE, President & CEO, Discover Kalamazoo,Chairman Ralph Morton, CSEE, Executive Director, Seattle Sports Commission, Vice Chairman/Chair-ElectMike Anderson, CSEE, Executive Director – Sports Tourism, Myrtle Beach Regional Sports Alliance, Treasurer Kindra Fry, CSEE, SMP, Executive Director, Bryan CollegeStation Sports + EventsKevin Smith, CSEE, Director, St. Petersburg/Clearwater SportsCommission, Immediate Past ChairmandIRECToRSJanna Clark, CSEE, Sports and Sales Director, Elizabethtown Sports ParkJohn David, CSEE, Chief Operating Officer, USA BMXMatt Dunn, CSEE, Vice President, Tourism Development, Palm Coast and the Flagler BeachesRoy Edmondson, CSEE, Vice President of SportsBusiness Development, Visit AnaheimJohn Gibbons, CSEE, Executive Director, RI Sports CommissionPete Harvey, CSEE, Director of Sports Development, Buffalo Niagara Sports CommissionBrian Hickey, CSEE, CDME, Director of Sports, Tallahassee Sports CouncilMike Hill, CSEE, Senior Director, Sports Sales, Hilton Worldwide- Sports SalesMichael Price, CSEE, Executive Director, Greater Lansing Sports AuthorityJanis Ross, Executive Director, Eugene, Cascades & Coast SportsSteve Schell, Sports Strategic Sales Executive, Experient SportsJanis Schmees Burke, CSEE, Chief Executive Officer, Harris County – Houston Sports AuthorityGlen Schorr, Executive Director, Orienteering USAKris Smith, CSEE, Sales Manager, Event Development, Detroit SportsBenjamin Wilder, CSEE, Director, Savannah Sports CouncilMarc Zimmerman, CSEE, Sales & Events Manager, Central Florida’s Polk County Sports Marketing

MEdIA & PUbLIC RELATIoNS AdVISERSJackie Reau, Game Day Communications Betsy Ross, Game Day Communications

TAbLE oF CoNTENTS

Letter from the Executive director ....................1

Member Services Update ..................................1

Call for Volunteers...........................................4

Tips from the Mentoring Committee ..................5

NASC Sports Legacy Fund .................................7

Preview: The State of Sport Tourism Industry Report ...............................................9

2016 NASC Sports Event Symposium Preview ...................................................11-14

Market Segment Meetings .............................15

www.SportsCommissions.org

ANNUAL MEMbERShIP bENEFITSThe NASC continues to develop benefits and services to make your organization more efficient and effective in the sport tourism industry each year including:

• OnlineDirectories• OnlineEventRFPDatabase• NASCEconomicImpactCalculator• IndustryResearchandReports• NASCCareerCenter• ModelsandSamples• CSEECertification

• CarRentalandAirportShuttle Discounts • PremiumItemDiscounts• SportsBusiness Journal subscription discount

• BestPracticesWebinars• EventWebinars• MarketSegmentMeetings• SportsEventSymposium• ConsultingServices• ShippingDiscounts,courtesy ofPartnerShip®

LETTER FRoM ThE ExECUTIVE dIRECToR AsCSEECertificationparticipantsareaware, the NASC conducted a complete review and restructuring of the course of study. A number of changes are being implemented, including:

•Ourfirstonlinecourse,StrategicPlanningforSuccessful Sport Tourism, launched last month. More than 100 individuals registered for the course.

•Acommitmenttoatleastonenewonlinecourseeveryyear with a target of two.

•Movingtoacreditsystem;thiswillallowdifferentnumbers of credits for a variety of learning events.

•Establishmentofahigherlevelofcertificationbyearly2017.

•EstablishmentofapartnershipwithOhioUniversitytoprovide expertise in online learning and reviews of each live learning session.

Weareexcitedaboutthisrestructuringandtheresultingmorefocusedprogramleadingtocertification.

Donald G. Schumacher, CSEEExecutive Director

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MEMbER SERVICES UPdATE – NASC bLog WeareexcitedtoannouncethattheNASCblog,GetintheGame,rolledoutontoanewplatforminFebruary.Theblogisnowhoused within the NASC website, www.SportsCommissions.org.The Association will be providing even more timely and relevant content than ever before, including posts on industry trendsandnews,updatesfromtheNationalOffice,andbi-weeklyTipsfromtheMentoringCommittee.Blogpostsare also featured in Get in the Game eNews, which is distributedeachThursday.Weencourageyoutosubscribetotheblogtoreceiveinstantnotificationswhenanewpostis published.

Ideas for blog posts are always encouraged. If you are interested in writing a blog or want to see a particular topic included in a future post, submit your idea to elizabeth@sportscommissions.org.

Elizabeth YoungDirector of Membership and Marketing

#SportTourism

Staff TravelYou’ll see the NASC staff out and about at the following upcoming industry events:

SportAccord – Don Schumacher

NCAA Host Symposium – Elizabeth Young

California Travel Summit – Lori Gamble

ACES Summer Meeting – Don Schumacher

FloridaSportsFoundationMeeting–Elizabeth Young

5www.SportsCommissions.org

What Mobile has to offer on game day is rivaled only by what we have to offer after the game. Start with facilities for every sport from the world’s largest public tennis complex, a round of 18 on the Robert Trent Jones Trail or even catching the

the Senior Bowl at Ladd Peebles Stadium. Finish by catching an end-of-the-day sunset on the bay while dining at one of our many waterfront seafood restaurants. Visit our website for more information. GO ALL OUT. WE DO.

Why settle for par when you can play in

Mobile, Alabama?

6#SPoRTToURISM

The fact that our downtown, Single-A ballpark is modeled after Boston’s renowned Fenway Park says everything about our passion for the national pastime. But great baseball and softball venues are just the beginning. With more than 8,500 guest rooms, an award-winning downtown, exceptional dining, entertainment and the great outdoors, Greenville, SC needs to be in your starting rotation. Learn more about that Greenville by calling 800-351-7180.

4www.SportsCommissions.org

CALL FoR VoLUNTEERS

I am excited to invite all members of the NASC to volunteer on committees.ThisisYOURassociation,soIstrongly encourage you to consider getting involved in one of these rewarding opportunities.

Ifyouhavenevervolunteeredbefore,youwillfindthatthis is a great way to give back to our association and build close relationships with peers in the industry. Your talents, passion, leadership and input are crucial to the NASC and it helps us to build effective, vibrant, inclusive, and multicultural committees.

The NASC is driven by more than 100 committed members who volunteer their time and resources for the good of the organization.Participatingonacommitteeallowsyoutocontribute to the decision-making that positions the NASC as the most valuable resource available to sport tourism professionals.

Here is how you can get involved:

• ReferindustrycolleaguestojointheAssociation• Recommendeducationalcontentandprogrammingfor

the annual NASC Sports Event Symposium, the original conference and longest-running reverse tradeshow for the sport tourism industry

• Enhancementoringactivitiesfornewmembersandfirsttime Symposium attendees

• Establishingnewcategoriesandservingonjudgingpanelsfor the annual member awards

• DevelopingCSEEmodules• CreatingtheinauguralNASCSportsLegacyFund communityserviceproject

Members, including new committee members and those who currently serve, must respond to the call for volunteers by April15,2016.Volunteersmustcommittoparticipatingonstanding conference calls each month.

Thank you for your commitment and dedication to our association and industry.

Sincerely,

Ralph L. Morton, CSEEExecutive Director, Seattle Sports CommissionChair-Elect, NASC

Awards Committee The Awards Committee is responsible for developing award categories and criteria for the annual NASC Member Awards. Thecommitteealsoservesasjudgesforthevariouscategories.

Membership Committee The Membership Committee oversees membership retentionand recruitment. The committee contacts inactive and cancelled members on behalf of the association to encourage them to renew. The committee also evaluates membership benefitsandresourcesonanannualbasis.

Mentoring Committee The Mentoring Committee cultivates relationships with newmemberstohelpguidethemthroughtheirfirstyearofmembership. The committee is also responsible for planning andhostingfirsttimeattendeeactivitiesattheannualSymposium. Pre-requisites: Committee members must haveaminimumoffiveyearsofindustryexperienceandbeactively involved in the NASC.

Professional Education Committee TheProfessionalEducationCommitteeassistswiththedevelopmentandimplementationoftheCSEECertificationand other NASC educational programs including a proposed newandhigherlevelofprofessionalcertification.Committeemembersarerequiredtojoinandfullyparticipateinmonthlycommittee calls, assist in the development of each live and online course and continually evaluate the program. Pre-requisites:MustbeenrolledintheCSEECertificationand must have taken at least three CSEE courses, two live and one online. The online requirement can be met by taking the online core course in strategic planning in the summer of2016.

Sports Legacy Committee TheSportsLegacyCommitteemanagestheSportsLegacyFund.Thecommitteeestablishesthecriteriaandeligibilityrequirementsforbeneficiariesofthefundandselectsthebeneficiaryeachyear.Thecommitteealsocoordinatesallaspects of the annual fundraiser, including promotion, solicitation of donation items, and ticket sales, as well as equipment donations.

Symposium Committee The Symposium Committee assists in the planning and execution of the annual NASC Sports Event Symposium. Committeemembersarerequiredtojoinandfullyparticipatein monthly committee calls, recruit event owners, develop education sessions including review of topics, examination of proposals, selection of speakers, and promote the Sympo-sium through word of mouth marketing to industry peers and colleagues.

5#SportTourism

regional events, clinics and camps, or business meetings. Thoughyourdestinationmaynotfitoneevent,thereareother opportunities,soexploreandfindoutmoreasthisopensdoors to future business.

4) LISTEN during event overview appointments • Eventoverviewappointmentsoffereventownersthe opportunity to share information about their organization and

what it takes to host an event with destinations whom they have not done business.

• TheseappointmentswilltakeplaceattablesintheSportsMarketplace, not at the event owner’s booth.

• Uptofive(5)destinationsand/orvendorexhibitorswillbeseated at a table with one event owner.

• Theeventownerwillprovideinformationonwhatittakestohost their event and may allow a minute or two at the end of the 1o-minute appointment for questions.

5) Follow-up • Itisessentialtotakegoodnotesduringeachappointment

so that you remember the details as you will have countless conversations.

• Followupinatimelymannerwitheachappointmentafterthe Symposium.

• Dowhatyousayyouwilldo.Duringtheappointment,ifyou say you will send additional information within a week after the Symposium, be sure to follow through.

No matter your membership category, become familiar with the organizationsyouwanttobesuretomeetinGrandRapids.Asappointment time in the Sports Marketplace is limited, doing our research will provide us the opportunity to learn more about each organization during valuable appointment time.

Followthese5easysteps,andyouwillhaveasuccessfulNASC Sports Events Symposium.

5 EASy STEPS To ENSURE A SUCCESSFUL NASC SPoRTS MARkETPLACE ExPERIENCE By Tammy Dunn, CSEE

1) Research Whileanxiouslyawaitingtoreceiveyourconfirmedindividualappointment schedule, continue to research and prepare. Keep in mind that if an individual appointment is unable to be scheduled, you will still have an opportunity to request event overview appointments.

Destinations should research:• typesofeventstheeventownercanoffer• whatfacilitiesareneeded• whenisthenextopendateforacommunitytohosttheevent• potentialeventRFPSthatarepostedontheNASCwebsitein theEventRFPDatabase

EventOwnersshouldresearch:• typesofservicesdestinationscanoffer• whatfacilitiesareavailable

Vendorsshouldresearch:• typesofeventstheeventownercanoffer• whatservicesareneeded• anyexistingpartnershipsthatdestinationsoreventowners have with other vendors

2) Prepare Rememberthattherewillbeanopportunitytohaveupto42individualscheduledappointmentsand12EventOwnerappointments, an you will also have the chance to meet and communicate with other organizations throughout the course of the Symposium - so be sure to pack a lot of the following:

Promotional materials - If you don’t already have one, prepare aoneortwopagepromotionalflyerorbrochuretoshareduringeach appointment. Don’t weigh each other down with a lot of promotional material. Keep in mind that organizations have dozens of appointments throughout the week.

Business cards–Bringlotsofthem!

Invite–Ifyoudidn’tgetanappointment,don’tfret!Reachouttoyourtopprospects,andinvitethemtojoinyouatoneofthemany networking opportunities on the schedule during the week or treat them to dinner on the open evening.

3) Ask good questions during individual appointments • Askqualifyingquestionslike:“Whatmakesagreateventinacommunity?”,“Whohaveyouhadsuccesswith?”,“Whatyearareyouplanningfor?”,and“Doyouhaveothereventsthat you represent?”.

• LeavetimeforbackandforthQ&A.Duringyour conversation, you realize that you don’t have much in common.Don’tstopaskingquestions.Findoutiftheyhave

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MoM gETS bACk INTo SPoRTS ThRoUgh MARy FREE bEd PRogRAMEditor’s note: Leading up to the NASC Symposium, the NASC is highlighting adaptive sports athletes. The proceeds raised for the 2016 NASC Sports Legacy Fund will go toward offsetting expenses for the Mary Free Bed Wheelchair Adaptive Sports tennis program, which pro-vides equipment to individuals who choose to participate in adaptive sports, as the equipment required to partici-pate can be quite expensive. For example, the average wheelchair required for wheelchair tennis can range from $3,000 to $5,000, not including maintenance and upkeep costs. Below is Suzanne Egeler’s story. SuzanneEgelerisa44yearoldmotheroffourgirls.ShehasbeeninvolvedwithMaryFreeBedWheelchairandAdaptiveSportsforalmost14years. Suzanne got involved in the sports programs shortly after herthirddaughterwasborn.“IwasreallydiscouragedwithmyweightgainandaskedmydoctoratMaryFreeBedwhathesuggestedIdotolosesomeweight,”saidSuzanne,continuing,“HisimmediateandenthusiasticanswerwasTENNIS!” Suzanne met with a recreational therapist and tried out a few different activities…swimming, wheelchair racing, basketball,handcycling,and(yes)tennis. She purchased a hand-cycle, which enabled her to go on bike rides with her husband and children. “I’veevendonethe5/3Riverbank25kacoupleoftimes,”sheexplained.“ButtennisendedupbeingexactlywhatI needed to get motivated to exercise. After one tennis practice,Iwashooked.Lotsofcardio,greatcompetition, and lasting friendships with other wheelchair-using athletes.” Suzanne was always involved in sports from a young age and had forgotten how much fun exercising could be, with agroupoffriends.“IamsogratefultohaveMaryFreeBedWheelchairSportsandalloftheprogramsitprovides.”

MARy FREE bEd WhEELChAIR ANd AdAPTIVE SPoRTS NAMEd 2016 bENEFICIARy oF ThE NASC SPoRTS LEgACy FUNd

AsannouncedinSeptember,the2016beneficiaryoftheNASCSportsLegacyFundisMaryFreeBedWheelchairandAdaptiveSports.“ChoosingMaryFreeBedWheelchairandAdaptiveSportsastheNASCSportsLegacybeneficiarymeansthatourathletesareprovidedmore opportunities to participate in the many sports we offerwithoutafinancialburden,allowingthemtogainconfidence,empowermentandlifeskillsasindividuals,”saidAliciaHass,sportscoordinatoratMaryFreeBedWheelchairandAdaptiveSports.

how you can help1.Donateasilentauctionorraffleitem2.Sponsorasilentauction/raffletable($100pertable)3.BidonasilentauctionitemattheNASCSymposium4.PurchaseraffleticketsattheNASCSymposium5.VolunteerforNASCSportsLegacyFundCommunity ServiceProject

Sponsored by

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• 19%and17%fallintothe$250,001-500,000and$500,001-1,000,000thresholdsrespectively

In2015,59%ofSportTourismorganizationsusedroomrebates,approximately10%lessthanreportedin2013and2014.

The priorities of the Sport Tourism Industry have changed sincelastyear.Visitorspendingwasonceagainvotedtobethe #1 priority this year, but groups have begun to differentiatetheirprioritiesacrosstheboard.In2014,visitorspendingwas#1byanoverwhelming60%.Visitorspendingwas#1with30%,followedbyHealthandFitnessandSportsPhilanthropy,bothwith19%.

Morefindingswillbereportedduringthe2016GeneralMembershipMeetinginGrandRapids.

PREVIEW: ThE STATE oF SPoRT ToURISM INdUSTRy REPoRTBy Dr. Heather Lawrence-Benedict, Ph.D.

At this year’s NASC Sports Event Symposium, we will share the results of the industry report: The State of Sport TourismconductedbyDr.HeatherLawrence-Benedict,Ph.D.,AssociateProfessor,SportManagement,DepartmentofSportsAdministrationatOhioUniversity.

HereisapreviewofthemajorfindingsfromthereportwhichwillbesharedwiththemembershipinGrandRapids.

First,therecontinuestobesolidgrowthinvisitorspendingthesporttourismindustry.In2014,thesurveyresultsindicatedanestimated$8.96billioninvisitorspendingrelatedtosportseventsand2015estimatedvisitorspendingwas$9.45billion.

Respondentstothesurveyrepresentadiversegroup:• 27%ofNASCmembersoperateonabudget of$100,000orless• Nottoofarbehindarethosewhohaveabudget of$100,000-$250,000• Atotalof15%ofrespondentsoperateona $1,000,000+budget

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2016 SyMPoSIUM SChEdULE(subject to change)

Sunday, April 3

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. ...........Registration4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. ..........RestandRechargeLounge6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. ...........NASCBoardofDirectors Meeting

Monday, April 4

7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. ............Registration7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. ..........RestandRechargeLounge7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. .........NASCSportsLegacyFund Community ServiceProject11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. ..........ExhibitorSet-Up11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. .......CSEESpring2016Course: BeneficialImpactsofSport Tourism* (Pre-registration Required)7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. ...........NewMemberandFirst Time Attendee NetworkingReception8:30 p.m. - 11: 00 p.m. .........BasketballChampionship ViewingParty

JUST A TURN UP FROM DALLAS

Westside Aquatic Center n 75,000 sq. ft. facility n Seating for 1,200 spectators n 75-meter competition pool n 36 numbered lanes n Two 1-meter and two 3-meter diving boards Toyota of Lewisville Railroad Park n 8 lighted soccer fields n 4 lighted football fields n 4 lighted baseball fields n Permanent concession buildings Lewisville Lake Park n 8 lighted soccer fields n 10 lighted baseball/softball fields n Golf, disc golf, fishing, boat ramps, and marinas Hotels n 1800 rooms within minutes of sports venues

Carlos Hernandez n 972.219.3713chernandez@cityoflewisville.com

VisitLewisville.com

LEWISVILLE, TEXAS

24th

12www.SportsCommissions.org

Tuesday, April 5

6:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. ............RiseandShineYoga*6:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. ............LappingtheLandmarks5K GuidedRun/WalkTour*7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. ............Registration7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. ...........RestandRechargeLounge8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. .........Grab-N-GoBreakfast8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. .......... Education Sessions10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ..........DailyRefreshments10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. ........ NASC Sports Marketplace - OpenMeetandGreet10:30 a.m. - Noon ................ NASC Sports Marketplace - Individual Appointments 12:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. .........OpeningGeneralSession Luncheon2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. ........... Education Sessions 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. NASC Sports Marketplace - Individual Appointments5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. ........... Happy Hour7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. ..........OpeningPartyatVanAndel Arena

Wednesday, April 6

6:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. ...........RiseandShineYoga*6:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. ...........LappingtheLandmarks 5KGuidedRun/WalkTour*7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. ...........Registration7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. ..........RestandRechargeLounge8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. ...........NASCBusinessMeeting Breakfast9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. .........NewBoardMember Orientation9:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. ......... NASC Sports Marketplace - EventOwnerOverview Appointments**10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. .........DailyRefreshmentsNoon - 1:30 p.m. .................KeynoteLuncheon1:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. .......... Education Sessions3:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. .......... NASC Sports Marketplace - Individual Appointments4:45 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. .......... Happy Hour 5:45 p.m. .............................. Close of the NASC Sports LegacyFundSilentAuction andRaffle *Additional Fees Apply

** Event Overview Appointments are conducted at roundtables in the DeVos Place Exhibit Hall, not at Event Owner booths.

Thursday, April 7

6:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. ............RiseandShineYoga*6:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. ............LappingtheLandmarks 5KGuidedRun/WalkTour*7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. ............Registration7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. ...........RestandRechargeLounge8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. ............Grab-n-GoBreakfastinthe NASC Sports Marketplace9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. ......... NASC Sports Marketplace - Individual Appointments10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. .........DailyRefreshments11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. ......... Exhibitor Tear-Down11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. ......... Closing General Session Luncheon2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. ..........GrandRapidsVenueTours

EdUCATIoNThe 2016 NASC Sports Event Symposium educational offerings bring a fresh approach to professional development. In response to member surveys and past Symposiumevaluations,the2016EducationRoadMapcombinesboth“Industry”ProfessionalDevelopmentand“Personal”ProfessionalDevelopment.

Attendees will discover a mix of original content as well as continued exploration of key industry topics.

SessionformatsforGrandRapidsaredesignedtomeeteveryone’sindividuallearningobjectivesandstyles.Everything from traditional breakouts and keynotes, to a series of deep dives, speed learning, round tables and case studies are on the program this year. So whether you like toreallydiveheadfirstintoatopicorskimthesurfaceforkeybitsofhelpfulinformation,youwillfindwhatsuitsyour interests.

Visithttp://www.sportscommissions.org/Symposium/Education to view the complete list of offerings.

kEyNoTE – SAM kAVANAghAvalanche Survivor – Professional Cyclist – 2012 Paralympic Bronze Medalist to share personal story of surviving and thriving

The NASC Symposium Committee is pleased to announce this year’s keynote presenter, Sam Kavanagh. An avid cyclist throughout his life, Sam dreamed of becoming a professional. He vividly remembers one particular conversation with his wife where together they contemplated him taking a shot at this lifelong passion. Despite her support, he decided against. He wasn’t built like a pro rider, he didn’t look the part. He didn’t see himself that way.

Notlongthereafter,Samjoinedafewfriendsonabackcountryskiing expedition in the mountains of Montana. A skilled outdoorsman, this sort of trip was nothing new to Sam, until tragedy struck. A massive avalanche swallowed up Sam and his friends, taking the life of one and leaving Sam with a severe compound fraction of both bones in his lower left leg. ThreefriendsescapedsevereinjuryandscrambledtokeepSamalive,forover48hours,insub-zeroweather,outofradiorange from any help.

Sam lost over half the total blood supply in his body, his kidneysshutdown,infectionsetitandhewentinshock.“IknewifIshutmyeyes,thatwasit,Iwoulddie.Wewerecutoff from help and I could barely move. It took everything I

13#SportTourism

had,andmorethanIeverknewIhadtogive,justtohangon,”said Sam. Eventually he and his friends were rescued, and Sam was airlifted to a regional hospital.

Despite nine surgeries in four months attempting to save his leg, too much damage had been done, and a new chapter in Sam’s life began, as an amputee. It was a physically and emotionally exhausting transition for an active outdoorsman like Sam.

WWW.SPoRTSCoMMIS-14

www.SportsCommissions.org

Cycling then became part of his rehab and with the aid of a special prosthetic something remarkable happened. It made him feel whole again. Sam’s passion for riding had waned, but now, literallywithanewleaseonlifeandthefirst-handperspectivethat it could be gone tomorrow, he pursued that passion like never before. He returned to the same conversation he had had with his wife about taking a shot at turning pro but this time the answerwasaresounding,“I’mgonnafindout!”

Sam poured himself into cycling, and into everything he did from that point on with the passion of a man who had cheated death and one who had every intention of living every momentto its fullest from that point forward. Small victories got biggerandbigger,andeventually,atthe2012U.S.ParalympicCycling Team Trials Sam won the competition and rode a time thatwouldhaveearnedhimhisproclassificationintheablebodiedcompetition.Onlyonerider,whohadtwolegs,hadbeaten him. He had done with one leg, what he had previously thought he could not do with two.

Sam went on to win the bronze medal at the biggest internationalcompetitionofhislife,the2012LondonParalympicGames.Henowtravelsthecountryasaprofessional motivational and inspirational speaker.

His remarkable story was featured on The Discovery Channel’s, “IShouldn’tBeAlive.”SamisacivilengineerwholivesinBozeman,MontanawithhiswifeSaraandtwoyoungchildren,Amelia and Nolan. He remains an avid outdoorsman, and loves to be out mountain biking, skiing, hiking, camping, and exploring the beautiful landscape of Montana.

photos courtesy of Sam Kavanagh

15#SportTourism

2016 Market Segment Meetings

Best Practices ·Trends · Strategies · Ideas · SolutionsOctober 25-26, 2016 | Indianapolis, IN

The2016MarketSegmentMeetingsarescheduledforOctober25-26,2016,inIndianapolis,IN.Allmarketsizeswill be meeting in the same location this year.

The NASC Market Segment Meetings create an opportunity for destinations of similar market size and organization structure to conduct open and honest dialogue about matters of importance to attendees. These are advanced level discussions among serious-minded professionals in the sport tourism industry.

Participantswilltakeawaybestpracticesfromthemostcrediblesourceintheindustry…yourassociation!

Topics to be discussed: - Emerging trends - Key solutions -Winningstrategies -Overcomingobstacles

Registration$299 per person. Active Membership Required. Online registration will open in April 2016.

hotel InformationHilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites$159 per nightOnline booking will open in April 2016.

Formoreinformation,contactMeaganMcCalla,MemberServicesCoordinator,at513.842.8307ormeagan@sportscommissions.org.

www.SportsCommissions.org19

play

FoleyOpening May 2016

Foley is building a sports destination where your sporting event is within walking distance of your hotel, restaurants and great shopping.

And, if you want to get back in the car, Alabama’s white gulf beaches are only seven

miles away. From the new indoor multi-use sports/events center, to the adjacent

state-of-the-art sports fields, Foley is building a sports destination that will grab your attention. To find out more, visit FoleySportsTourism.com.

Sports TourismF O L E Y

C O M P L E X

Don Staley, Executive Director Sportsdstaley@cityoffoley.org

(251) 923-3332FoleySportsTourism.com

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For more information on how to get into the game, visit www.sacsports.com

PUTTING BIG TIME SPORTS IN SACRAMENTO

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