Atlanta Inquirer
05-29-2004
The National Association of Sports Commissions (NASC) has named the Atlanta
Sports Council 'Sports Commission of the Year' for 2003. The award was
given at the NASC annual Sports Event Symposium in Jacksonville, Fla. and
officially presented to the Atlanta Sports Council at its recent board of
director's meeting.
The Atlanta Sports Council's submission proved better than 242 sports
commissions nationwide for its success in 2003. The judging was based on
the quality of the sporting events brought to the city and its impact on
the community, events from which the community received benefit, and
evidence that the activities benefited community organizations.
From preparing bids and providing operational support for major sporting
events to hosting preseason luncheons for the local professional teams, the
Atlanta Sports Council raised nearly $450,000 for charity while bringing in
out-of-town visitors to boost the local economy.
The NBA All-Star Game, NCAA Women's Final Four, USA Volleyball Junior
Olympics, World Golf Championship, SEC Football Championship and
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl delivered a $149 million economic impact to metro
Atlanta last year.
'This award recognizes not only the Atlanta Sports Council Board of
Directors and staff, but also the hard work and effort by the entire city,'
said Gary Stokan, Atlanta Sports Council president. 'Without our great
partnerships with local government, corporate and public communities, our
success would be impossible. On behalf of Atlanta, we proudly accept this
award.'
This is third major award for the Atlanta Sports Council in four years.
Last year, the NASC recognized the Atlanta Sports Council for having the
'most outstanding print advertising and communication collateral.' In 2000,
the Atlanta Sports Council was named the 'Foremost Sports Commission' by
the International Sports Summit for their efforts in bringing major sports
events to Atlanta.
'The committee took one look at the number and quality of the events
presented by the Atlanta Sports Council and decided the award was richly
deserved,' said Don Schumacher, NASC executive director.
The Atlanta Sports Council promotes the value of sports growth in Atlanta
and Georgia by acting as an authority on the economic impact, visibility
and quality of life issues associated with sports. Its mission is to lead,
organize and support sports development with the goal of building Atlanta's
reputation as the Sports Capital of the World.
Article copyright The Atlanta Inquirer.
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