“Be prepared to overcome obstacles.” It’s probably the best advice I ever got, and it came from a race director who was in favor of advance planning, since as he said, things will always happen on race day, and the more you’ve done in advance, the better off you’ll be. Sadly, this advice came from Boston Marathon director Dave McGillivray, who, I imagine, has had plenty to cope with recently – in ways nobody could have never expected or planned for. But he and his staff have exemplified grace under pressure, and we can all learn from the example they – as well as the city of Boston – have set. In this issue, we’ll cover plenty of ways of planning – setting the stage for senior athletes, and scheduling events for family and friends. We’ll also see how the next generation of industry leaders is preparing themselves with degree programs. Sports covered include soccer, track & field and fishing, and we’ll look at programs for getting kids to ‘tri’ multi-sport as well. The mid-Atlantic area will be our regional focus, and we’ll also get a look at some of the brightest stars in our industry – the people who are bringing events home to their cities and making things happen. And let’s not forget why we do this – there is an excellent case study in the economic power of sports tourism.
Ample lodging, great dining and appealing attractions are always important to a sports event, but when it comes to fishing tournaments, one thing trumps all else: the fish. A very close second is the body of water where the fishing takes place. It’s true: ask any angler about a recent tournament or fishing trip and you’ll hear first about the fish. Scenery is crucial, but the fish must be unforgettable. more....