The Congress launched with a packed Savannah Sports Weekend starting Saturday morning. Early arrivals were able to run the annual Enmark Savannah Bridge Run offering a 5K, 10K double pump and kid 1/4 mile course options.
Keep it up runners! (& walkers!) #SavannahRiverBridgeRun pic.twitter.com/1xd4QstqJn
— SAV Sports Council (@SavannahSports) December 6, 2014
Those who arrived on Saturday enjoyed fantastic weather with low 70s and sunshine, making our trip to Forsyth Park one to remember!
First day in #Savannah, welcome #USSportsCongress attendees! #Sportstourism #SportsPG @SavannahSports @VisitSavannah pic.twitter.com/k6P9sLZInB
— SportsPlanningGuide (@SportsPlanGuide) December 6, 2014
On Sunday the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) and executive director Brian Graham hosted Congress attendees and gave a crash course in disc golf, followed by a quick nine “holes.”
@PDGA outing in #Savannah! #USSportsCongress #SportsPG #sportstourism pic.twitter.com/T3IiuCr7AN
— SportsPlanningGuide (@SportsPlanGuide) December 7, 2014
Sports outing networking opportunities continued Monday as attendees enjoyed a golf-or spa-outing or a private cooking course. Tuesday it was down to business with keynote speaker and Savannah area native Josh Reddick, outfielder and Gold Glove winner of the Oakland A’s, who set the tone for the Congress and discussed his foundation, focusing on enhancing local community through sport.
.@realjoshreddick discusses building healthy communities through sports with #USSportsCongress this morning… pic.twitter.com/LBFRTDPQxx
— SAV Sports Council (@SavannahSports) December 9, 2014
After a long day of round table discussions, educational seminars and trade reception, Lubbock Sports helped everyone decompress by hosting the Congress after hours with cocktails, mini-putt and raffles.
After hours at #USSportsCongress hosted by @Visit_Lubbock! @SavannahSports @VisitSavannah #sportstourism #SportsPG pic.twitter.com/2z3uQhTtUy
— SportsPlanningGuide (@SportsPlanGuide) December 10, 2014
@SportsPlanGuide Did everyone have fun shooting the birdie? pic.twitter.com/UiE7NgfSPZ
— Visit Lubbock (@Visit_Lubbock) December 10, 2014
This year’s schedule of events also included educational seminars focused on media training; round table discussions on burning topics; and plenty of networking events throughout the week.
#ussportscongress sessions roll on! @FrankTheBigGuy from WJCL covers media best practices #sportstourism pic.twitter.com/mZ97Fr3yNA
— SportsPlanningGuide (@SportsPlanGuide) December 10, 2014
The US Sports Congress wrapped up with a closing reception by Fort Worth, Texas, where next year’s Congress will be hosted.
.@FortWorthSports We’ve enjoyed having y’all here and look forward to heading to @VisitFortWorth next year! #USSportsCongress
— SAV Sports Council (@SavannahSports) December 10, 2014
Special thanks to @VisitFortWorth! Looking forward to visiting next December for the #USSportsCongress! #SportsPG pic.twitter.com/USwGYGjfZs
— SportsPlanningGuide (@SportsPlanGuide) December 11, 2014
For more information on attending next year’s Congress visit USSportsCongress.com.
By Justin Roach