Press Release: Grant Program

Alliance Announces Grants Committee for Sports Williamsburg -- $75,000 in Funding Established to Attract and Grow Sports Events in 2011

November 5, 2011
 

Williamsburg, VA -- A six-member committee, including officials from the area's three economic development authorities, will review applications and recommend potential funding for sports organizations applying for grants available from the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance and its Sports Williamsburg committee.  Members of the new Sports Grant Review Committee are Monty Mason, chairman of the City of Williamsburg Economic Development Authority; Steve Montgomery, EDA member of James City County Economic  Authority; Jim Noel, director of economic development, York County Economic Development; Jeff Baumgardner, general manager Crowne Plaza Williamsburg at Fort Magruder; Wayne Nooe, vice president of golf and club operations, Kingsmill Resort and chair of Sports Williamsburg; and Bob Harris, Alliance vice president, tourism.

The Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance is funding the Sports Marketing Event Grant Program at a level of $75,000 during its first year.  The grant program's goal is to attract quality amateur and professional sporting events to the area, advancing and promoting year-round tourism, positive economic impact and quality of life through sport.  

Grants are available for athletic events such as games, exhibitions, tournaments and other sports-related events planned, presented and played in the Historic Triangle.  In addition to providing information on the event organization, event history and overall event plan and schedule, applicants are required to provide impact projections such as number of event participants and spectators expected, lodging room nights, and a comprehensive marketing plan as well as estimated expenses.  Documentation of the event's direct impact on area tourism, including registration cards and letter from local accommodations providers verifying room nights generated will be required no later than 90 days post-event in order to obtain disbursement of grant funds.

Sports Williamsburg is a strategic tourism initiative of the Alliance.  The sports market segment continues to be one of the fastest growing tourism market segments in the U.S.  Research conducted by the National Association of Sports Commissions reports that sports events are responsible for $6.3 billion in revenues each year.  The average spending rate per athlete during a sports event is $789, leading to a strong benefit to the destination in terms of revenue and tax collections.  Amateur sports, especially youth sports events, continue to show the highest growth and stability. 

Sports Williamsburg was organized by the Alliance in March 2010 to professionally coordinate efforts to further develop the sports economy of the Williamsburg area by attracting, organizing and promoting sporting events.  The 31-member committee is made up of representatives from local sports facilities, sports clubs and organizations, area parks and recreation divisions, tourism and hospitality executives experienced in various sports events and group visitation, and members of the business community with sports event experience.

For additional information, including a grant applications, click here.