"March Madness!"

This weekends Basketball Winter Games competition lived up to our own version of "March Madness!" Highlighted by spirited competition,talented athletes,and our share of "ruffled feathers" from the parents!
Turnout was strong and the staff was terrific in there execution of the event and the other sports such as Equestrian which set an all time attendance record!
As the Winter Games wind down we need to focus on the Celebration Banquet taking place on April 29.
The "Madness" never seems to stop....that's a good thing!

Wid

7/11

(A copy of an email sent to Dr. Rund, Vice President of Student Activities at Arizona State University regarding the results of one of the more significant meetings I have had in my 16 years as the Executive Director of the Grand Canyon State Games.)

Dear Dr. Rund,

7/11

We’re back! After “7” long years away from ASU in 20”11” and until the year 2016 the Grand Canyon State Games will again create the Olympic village atmosphere on the campus of ASU with our Summer Games / Winter Games / Opening Ceremonies / and Celebration Banquet.

Our meeting with the “TEAM” yesterday was euphoric. They were very enthusiastic, professional, and accommodating. Thank you for your obvious influence on the results of our visit.

Now the other “Two Heads” of the “Three Headed Dragon”!
1. Sponsorship
2. SportsWORLD

When may we visit?

Happy St. Patty’s Day!

Wid

You are invited

"One of my First Trips"

One of my first trips when I got this job 16 years ago was to drive to Flagstaff, AZ to meet with the General Manager of the Snowbowl JR Murray. My intent was to convince him that the Grand Canyon State Games should be a year-round event. I remember distinctly how impressed I was with the reception I received from not only JR but from Brian Beamer, the President of the Flagstaff Ski team and Rick Smith the Director of the High Altitude Center. The meeting took place in the Hart Prairie lodge. JR had set up a nice meeting area, a grease board, and some brochures with information about the Snowbowl and Flagstaff. Thus, the Winter Games were a reality.

We started with skiing and hockey in Flagstaff in our first year. Now 15 years later, we are the largest Winter Sports festival in the country featuring 42 sports and over 10,000 athletes.

This past weekend, in our signature event, the atmosphere was abuzz with Snow. The Flagstaff ski team lead by Lynda Fleischer executed a flawless event. With the help of veteran staff members like Dave Smith from the Snowbowl, Brian Beamer from the Ski Team, and Pat Bell former GCSG employee, the support was strong. Another highlight of the weekend was our very own staff member Tara Heinrichs son, Hayden (age 4) learning to ski for the first time with the help of the very talented ski instructors at Snowbowl. Snow, smiles, and exhilaration were plentiful on the mountain this past weekend.

Thanks JR!

~Wid