Sault Sports Council, Sport Tourism moving forward

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT SPORTS COUNCIL

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SPORTS COUNCIL AND SPORT TOURISM MOVE FORWARD

The Sault Sports Council and Sport Tourism took another step forward on Thursday night as community sports groups came together to discuss the future of both. Tourism Sault Ste. Marie and the Sault Sports Council have commissioned the development of a strategic plan to outline the long-term future direction of sport and its potential impact on the economic stability of the area. The firm of Saad Consulting has been commissioned to facilitate the process.

The purpose of the meeting was to provide the opportunity for the sporting community to gain insight into the project while at the same time allow them to provide input into the potential future role that the Sports Council can play in moving sport forward.

The Sports Council model is a separate body that will work with community sport through a number of key areas. These key areas were discussed at the meeting and they centered on the following needs of the groups that were present. They included:

* Improved communications.

* Community coordination and cooperation.

* Advocacy.

* Sport development through education and awareness.

* Sport enhancement through hosting opportunities.

* Administrative services.

Sporting group representatives spoke to each of their areas and commented on what their needs were in each area and how a sports council could work on their behalf.

The feedback from the sports groups was very encouraging to Sports Council Coordinator, Lorie Springall. "I am truly excited about the input that was received at the meeting. There is huge potential for the Sports Council to serve as a community catalyst and from the comments that we received at the meeting, the sports community also sees the advantages that a sports council can provide".

Facilitator for the evening Dave Saad feels that the Sault Ste. Marie area is well positioned to develop a sports council that could become the template for sports councils across the province.

"The commitment to Sport Tourism combined with the facility infrastructure (including the new Steelback Centre) along with strong community sports organizations serves as a very solid base for the sports council concept to become a reality in your community. The Sports Council concept is about big picture thinking and how working collectively can serve to not only enhance the quality of life in the community, but sport can serve as an economic engine for all aspects of the community as well".

Saad went on to say that the success of a sports council would be dependent upon some give and take by sporting groups and a change of mindset by local government, sport groups and community volunteers.

At the conclusion of the meeting Patti Kidd, of Tourism Sault Ste. Marie stated that her department viewed sports tourism as one of their top three priorities and they are committed to working with the sport groups and the sports council to bring sporting events and meetings to the Sault area.

A community survey is being carried out to develop a data base of information with regard to the readiness of community sporting groups to move forward and work with a sports council and Tourism Sault Ste. Marie. A final report will be presented by December 1, 2006. For more information, contact Lorie Springall at 759-5309 or [email protected]

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