Public-Private Partnership Formed to Attract
More Sporting Events to Fairfax County
MCLEAN, VA (January 18, 2011) - With the goals of stimulating economic growth and enriching the quality of life of community residents, several Fairfax County organizations have formed a public-private partnership to expand the area's lineup of sports competitions and related initiatives.
The new Fairfax County Sports Committee is led by Eric Kulczycky of Visit Fairfax, the county's tourism bureau. Originally convened by the Fairfax County Office of Public Private Partnerships (OP3), the group's other members include the county's Park Authority, Public Schools, High School Athletic Boosters, Athletic Council, Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, as well as the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College, Hoop Magic Sports Academy, SkateQuest, Dulles Expo Center, and Brotman-Winter-Fried Communications, a firm specializing in sports and entertainment event management and public relations.
"We believe Fairfax County is an ideal location to host state, regional, national, and international sporting events," said Kulczycky. "These events enhance community pride and can create significant economic impact for the county, bringing in new money, additional jobs, and tax revenue. They can also generate income for facilities, sports clubs, athletic boosters, and other community-based organizations."
The Fairfax County Sports Committee will collaborate with local groups to develop and promote a variety of events, from the Virginia High School League Jubilee that attracts student-athletes from all areas of the state, to the Washington Area Girls Soccer League's annual tournament that draws more than 15,000 players and family members from 17 states and Canada.
In addition to youth sports, attracting adult competitions will also benefit the county. In 2009, Fairfax won its bid to host the 2015 World Police and Fire Games, which is expected to bring in more than 10,000 active and retired public safety officers from 65 countries and generate an estimated $40+ million in economic impact for the region.
To attract events-especially large-scale, multi-sport competitions-the county must offer a wide array of tournament-capable facilities, from outdoor rectangular and diamond fields to indoor ice rinks, pools, and basketball courts.
"We want to learn about all potential facilities in the county and would love to work with private venues interested in hosting tournaments," said Kulczycky. "We'd also like to speak with local organizers interested in starting or growing an event, as well as businesses wanting to sponsor high school athletic programs and other community-based sports initiatives."
Tournament organizers, private facility managers, and potential sponsors are encouraged to contact Eric Kulczycky at 703-752-9510 or ekulczycky@fxva.com for more information.
