For more information contact: Lisa Marshall, Wisconsin Department of Tourism, 800-236-7529
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TOURISM AWARDS $14,200 IN READY SET GO! GRANTS
Grants assist local agencies in bringing sports events to Wisconsin
MADISON, Wis. (May 16, 2008) – The Wisconsin Department of Tourism awarded $14,200 in Ready, Set, Go! grants in April to assist destination marketing organizations bring five sporting events to Wisconsin.
“Wisconsin is passionate about sporting events. The state has a reputation among event organizers for its world class sporting facilities, warm and welcoming host cities and providing great crowd support,” Tourism Secretary Kelli A. Trumble said. “The Ready Set Go! program helps steer sporting events to Wisconsin and in turn, the events generate economic return on investment.”
The five grants awarded are as follows:
- Chippewa Valley Sports Commission, $4,250 for the DockDogs Association Regional Qualifier, August 15-17, 2008
- Chippewa Valley Sports Commission, $2,425 for the Midwest Kick-Off Classic Bowling Tournament, August 22-24, 2008
- Green Bay Area Visitor & Convention Bureau, $3,500 for the Frozen Tundra Major Midget Hockey Classic, January 22-25, 2009
- Kenosha Area Convention & Visitor Bureau, $1,025 for the Women's Hall of Fame Classic, July 4-6, 2008
- Visit Milwaukee, $3,000 for the "Duck N Dodge" Dodge Ball Tournament, October 18, 2008
The Ready, Set, Go! grant program is a collaborative effort of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation and Wisconsin Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus. Through this partnership, the state has an opportunity to capitalize on the growth potential of the sports market as an economic driver.
The matching grant program provides funds to assist communities in their bid to secure new competitive events that draw spectators and traveler spending. Previous events that received Ready, Set, Go! grants include the Bassmaster 50 Elite fishing tournament in Eau Claire, the Fox Cities Marathon and Classic Soccer tournament, Green Bay’s Greco-Roman Wrestling, the Janesville National Waterski Tournament and the Stevens Point Youth Soccer tournament.
The matching funds can be used to pay bid fees or facility costs required to host sporting events. Ready, Set, Go! matching grants can be awarded up to $20,000 per organization. To date in fiscal year 2008 (July 1, 2007-June 30, 2008), 16 Ready, Set, Go! grants have been awarded totaling $95,250.
Ready, Set, Go! proposals must be submitted through a recognized Wisconsin Destination Marketing Organization, such as convention and visitor’s bureau or a chamber of commerce. The applications are reviewed by a panel of sports marketing experts from around the state and presented to the Department of Tourism for final consideration. Information and applications are available on the Wisconsin Department of Tourism website http://agency.travelwisconsin.com or contact Dawn Zanoni at dzanoni@travelwisconsin.com or 608-266-3978.
# # #
