Doug!

We never had any pets at home when our kids grew up......thus I am always reminded by my bunch that they were deprived in some way!

Having said this, there has been a lot made of my youngest daughter Erika and her husband Adam regarding their arrival last night with their young white lab named "DOUG". How was Grandpa WID going to react to his new house guest?

I'm pleased to report that we had a terrific evening filled with good food, conversation, and my man "DOUG"surveying every inch of the property. This mornings workout on the mountain with "DOUG" and Adam was a true joy...........I might have to have a "DOUG" of my own!

Stay tuned.
Wid

M&M

In preparation for our first official staff meeting of 2008 I was excited to feel a case of good old fashion "butterflies"! The ones I used to get on game days!Welcoming our new group of interns and being able to address the group and especially praise Gary & Tara, my loyal staff, was something I looked forward to.

I was also reminded of the huge sense of responsibility and accountability we have to our sponsors,board,athletes,commissioners,& volunteers!We've created a monster and along with it comes a clear message of "Leadership must Manage and Motivate".

I accept!

Wid

Pony Express!

I have to admit I would not have done well in the old days of "Little House on the Prairie" counting on the "Pony Express" for mail service! One of my favorite days of the year is today, the "postmarked deadline" for our single largest event of the year.....our essay contest!

I waited for the mailman like a little kid. Much to my satisfaction, we received bucket loads of entries today from all across the nation. I believe we will shatter our record of 3,014!

I will let you know!

Wid

The Invincibles

We are proud to announce that Ashley Edwards our 2007 Premiere APS Power Player of the Year Award Winner has been chosen by Platinum Sponsor Keller Williams Realty as their Keynote Speaker and inspiration for the year at their Celebration Of Success Banquet.

Keller Williams Realty theme for 2008 is the "Team of Invincibles". Ashley is truly characteristic of this theme for 2008. Congratulations to her continued success!

Wid

One More Time

My good friend Dante Scarnecchia,Assistant Head Coach of The New England Patriots, is back in the Super Bowl! I know how hard it is to win in the NFL.....but 18-0!Hopefully we'll get to see Susan and the kids when they come to Phoenix----One more time!

A positive mental attitude will propel you to new heights. You'll think differently.Act differently. You'll enjoy life like there's no tomorrow!

Wid

Balance!

Last night was very special! Dinner at the Country Club with a great friend and board member John and his lovely new bride of 8 months Leslie.After stopping at their house for a pre- dinner tour of their re-modeled home and upon arriving at the newly renovated "club" I knew we were way out of our league and in for a unique evening.

Not to be disappointed,as we were seated ,it was noted that former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and former employer Bill Bidwill and his wife of the AZ Cardinals were also in this quaint setting. After a brief hello we settled in for an enjoyable dinner full of stories and stimulating conversation.A highlight was to discover that my father and Leslies father were both Pearl Harbor survivors.

During dinner I caught myself gazing at my stunning wife Cinda and realizing how important "balance "needs to become in my life.Having fun is a gift you can give to yourself. I will embrace life a little different today. Enjoy the benefits of laughter and high spirits and look forward to cooking some steaks for our friends!

Wid

Team Sport Outfitters & R2 Sports!

We all have good ideas and we are all prone to being visionary at times,but I've had a thought on my mind for a long while. I've always wanted our athletes to have the opportunity to buy sports equipment on our own web-site store at a GCSG discount.

On Monday Ron Nichols of Team Sport Outfitters and Ryan Rodgers of R2 Sports,two of our sponsors, and I will enter into negotiations to have this vision turn reality.

Wish me LUCK!

Wid

We've Got Snow!

I woke up this morning thinking of one of my first action items 13 years ago as the Executive Director was to drive to Flagstaff and meet with JR Murray,GM of the Snowbowl, and board member Rick Smith, regarding having skiing as the initial sport of the proposed "Winter Games"! I believe we had 80 participants!

Last year we had 6,148 athletes and we've exploded to 42 sports this year!
Thanks JR!

I'm amazed at the Nation wide response to this years essay contest! With two weeks left until the deadline,essays have been received from 25 different states! Unprecedented!

To think that children across America are taking the time to express themselves through friendly competition in this endeavor is truly inspirational!

Not unlike every Monday morning around 5:am, as I come down the mountain by my house during the NFL season, I look forward to visiting with my good friend Dante Scarnecchia, the Assistant Head Coach of the New England Patriots. This morning was no different....we normally talk about our families, life,and some football.

I'm am so impressed with their "relentless pursuit of perfection "I listen very closely to Dante's comments as we are on the same path here at the GCSG! This mornings topic ,among others , was "ACCOUNTABILITY". It brought to mind how many people I'm accountable to: Staff,Sponsors,Board,Athletes, Volunteer's, & Commissioners.

I'm ready for the week with this thought in mind.......

As I stood in the arena at our Equestrian event this morning, kicking off Americas largest winter sports festival, I reminded myself how fortunate I will be over the next fifteen weekends to be the only person on the planet to see all of our 42 sports and over 7,000 athletes......a very humbling thought!

Commissioners Business Meeting

I was very encouraged at the turnout for our Winter Games Commissioners Business Meeting. There was great representation from most of the 42 sports and a nice blend of sponsors, board members, volunteers and athletes.

The awards portion of the program was particularly impressive.
APS Power Player Award-Ashley Edwards Presented by Jesse Delgado
Athletes of the Year – The Badalamenti Family Presented by Ernie Barten
Commissioners of the Year Presented by Bob Strong 1. Peggy Cianciola
2. Jennifer Cada
3. Mike Carrington
D. Venue of the Year Presented by Tina Fuselli
The Village~ Clyde Solenski

Another important highlight during the evening was the presentation from new On-Line Registration partner R2 Sports and Ryan Rodgers. Plus Ron Nichols from Team Sports Outfitters our new T-Shirt Sponsor was introduced and I am pleased to welcome him to the Grand Canyon State Games Family.

"Together We Have The Power To Make It Happen"
Wid

Tragedy

I was very saddened by the news of losing a dear friend. Ron Bergamo President of KAZTV was tragically killed in a car accident yesterday. His unconditional support of my own dreams as well as the vision of the Grand Canyon State Games will truly be missed.

Good Bye my dear friend our thoughts and prayers are with your family in this time of grief