Dear Grand Canyon State Games Loyalist,
Please accept this document effective as of July 29, 2013 as my official retirement as the Executive Director of the Grand Canyon State Games. It has been a great 18 year ride and I thank you for the pleasure of being your Executive Director, but it is just time! Emotionally please understand I prefer to just fade away as I ride off into the sunset void of any fanfare.
Respectfully,
Wid
Monday, July 29, 2013
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Monday, June 24, 2013
Monday, May 20, 2013
Monday, May 6, 2013
"I couldnt have said it any better..."
What knocks you down, only makes you stronger!! A door has been re-opended for Adam and our family as Adam is once again a SF 49er!! I am so incredibly proud of my husband who continues to persevere. God is great and continues to present our family with amazing opportunities. In this case, we may be able to finish where we started. Thank you so much to all of our wonderful family and friends who support us through the ups and downs. We are truly blessed! GO NINERS!!!!! (excerpt from Erika Snyder's Facebook page)
Monday, April 22, 2013
"You can Run but you can not Hide"
10,000 Law Enrfocement , BlackHawk helicopters ,Robots......the City of Boston, social media......Got Ya!
Wid
Wid
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
"Unforgiven"
"We had almost forgotten that this was the new normal" ~Montini
But that does not mean I have to like it.
Country music star Tim McGraw wrote his blockbuster song "LIVE LIKE YOU WERE DYING" Due to my present situation sometimes, I am not sure this isn't the best way. "But not so fast."
The unprecedented reaction of Boston's first responders has been amazing to watch. One of our nations greatest cities has given us a lesson in how to put teamwork above all else.
From the President on down there will be a relentless pursuit of the cowardly individual(s) responsible for this horrific crime. I have no doubt that the heavy hand will fall. At least, it better!
Thoughts and prayers to all inflicted.
God Bless America!
~Wid
But that does not mean I have to like it.
Country music star Tim McGraw wrote his blockbuster song "LIVE LIKE YOU WERE DYING" Due to my present situation sometimes, I am not sure this isn't the best way. "But not so fast."
The unprecedented reaction of Boston's first responders has been amazing to watch. One of our nations greatest cities has given us a lesson in how to put teamwork above all else.
From the President on down there will be a relentless pursuit of the cowardly individual(s) responsible for this horrific crime. I have no doubt that the heavy hand will fall. At least, it better!
Thoughts and prayers to all inflicted.
God Bless America!
~Wid
Thursday, March 14, 2013
"I can't thank you enough, but I can try!"
I was very humbled indeed to receive the National Football Foundation's Distinguished Arizonan award. Please take time out to view the site with the true stars of the night, our outstanding student scholar athletes: http://www.aznff.com/
Thanks again,
~Wid
Monday, February 25, 2013
Wrap Up
The Official TV Station of the Grand Canyon State Games, AZTV 7 / Cable 13, has a daily morning show with Pat McMahon called the “Morning Scramble” that airs at 8:am. This Wednesday Feb.27th, the Games will be highlighted with a wrap up of our Essay Contest with current intern Spencer Becker, first ever Gold Medal winner from 18 years ago. Also ,our very own Tara Heinrichs will be present for some current comments on the Winter Games!
If you have a chance, please take a moment to watch the show!
~Wid
If you have a chance, please take a moment to watch the show!
~Wid
Monday, February 4, 2013
"WOW"
Art / Essay Contest ResultsArt -1,423 entries
Essay- 4,264 entries Best Single Year Record (18 years)
2013 Combined Total- 5,687
18 Year Combined Total 81,053
"WOW!"
Essay- 4,264 entries Best Single Year Record (18 years)
2013 Combined Total- 5,687
18 Year Combined Total 81,053
"WOW!"
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Monday, December 10, 2012
Grand Canyon State Games, Phoenix Commission to merge
Sports Commission Creates Partnership with Grand Canyon State Games
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Regional Sports Commission has announced its merger with the Grand Canyon State Games, including its National Native American Games division, to strengthen the work both organizations do in the local and state-wide community. Under the direction of the Sports Commission, these organizations will operate independently with a shared board of directors led by Board Chairman Garry Hays.
“The Grand Canyon State Games has a rich history in Arizona of providing amateur athletes with quality athletic play and competition regardless of the athletes ability,” said Phoenix Regional Sports Commission Interim President Rob Yowell. “The Sports Commission is proud to help lead the Games into the future.”
“At their cores, both organizations are in the business of economic development and we accomplish this through a sports tourism platform,” said Phoenix Regional Sports Commission past Board Chairman Don Kile. “As competition for sponsorship and financial support heats up in the non-profit world, organizations like Grand Canyon State Games are often over-looked in favor of health, safety and education related organizations. The Grand Canyon State Games is a treasure in our community and this alliance will allow us to add value to, and impact upon, our community. The impact will not only be evident on the field of competition and our community’s quality of life, but within our economic development and grassroots sports tourism communities.”
“We look forward to working with the Phoenix Regional Sports Commission and the extraordinary leadership there to continue the longstanding success of the Grand Canyon State Games and the Native American Games,” said Grand Canyon State Games Executive Director Erik Widmark. “When two work together, both are strong.”
The merger of these two organizations will provide for efficient use of shared resources and event scheduling. The Sport’s Commission’s High School Sports Division will pair its Showcase Series of events with the Grand Canyon State Games in Olympic format events such as swimming, track and field, volleyball, softball, and others. The first cooperative events are scheduled for early 2014 and will draw thousands of elite high school athletes from across the country to compete as the feature showcase during the Games competition that includes amateur athletes ranging in age from two to 99.
About the Phoenix Regional Sports Commission
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Phoenix Regional Sports Commission was created in 1988. The mission of the Sports Commission is to “Enrich Our Community Through Sports" by representing the citizens of the Valley to bring national and international sporting events to the state, assist in the promotion of existing events and teams, and support youth sports programs. To learn more about the Sports Commission, please visit www.phoenixsports.org.
About the Grand Canyon State Games
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, The Grand Canyon State Games is Arizona’s Amateur Olympics. In celebrating our 20th Anniversary year, the mission remains solid in showcasing the talents and aspirations of Arizona’s and America’s amateur athletes regardless of age or ability. Approximately 25,000 participants compete annually and over 450,000 athletes have competed to date since our inception in our year-round format which offers over 100 sporting events and the nation’s largest Art and Essay Contests. The tradition of excellence continues in the nationwide prestigious Lori Piestewa National Native American Games event. The vision remains strong in our motto to Get Up! Get Active! Get Involved! Get Healthy!
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Regional Sports Commission has announced its merger with the Grand Canyon State Games, including its National Native American Games division, to strengthen the work both organizations do in the local and state-wide community. Under the direction of the Sports Commission, these organizations will operate independently with a shared board of directors led by Board Chairman Garry Hays.
“The Grand Canyon State Games has a rich history in Arizona of providing amateur athletes with quality athletic play and competition regardless of the athletes ability,” said Phoenix Regional Sports Commission Interim President Rob Yowell. “The Sports Commission is proud to help lead the Games into the future.”
“At their cores, both organizations are in the business of economic development and we accomplish this through a sports tourism platform,” said Phoenix Regional Sports Commission past Board Chairman Don Kile. “As competition for sponsorship and financial support heats up in the non-profit world, organizations like Grand Canyon State Games are often over-looked in favor of health, safety and education related organizations. The Grand Canyon State Games is a treasure in our community and this alliance will allow us to add value to, and impact upon, our community. The impact will not only be evident on the field of competition and our community’s quality of life, but within our economic development and grassroots sports tourism communities.”
“We look forward to working with the Phoenix Regional Sports Commission and the extraordinary leadership there to continue the longstanding success of the Grand Canyon State Games and the Native American Games,” said Grand Canyon State Games Executive Director Erik Widmark. “When two work together, both are strong.”
The merger of these two organizations will provide for efficient use of shared resources and event scheduling. The Sport’s Commission’s High School Sports Division will pair its Showcase Series of events with the Grand Canyon State Games in Olympic format events such as swimming, track and field, volleyball, softball, and others. The first cooperative events are scheduled for early 2014 and will draw thousands of elite high school athletes from across the country to compete as the feature showcase during the Games competition that includes amateur athletes ranging in age from two to 99.
About the Phoenix Regional Sports Commission
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Phoenix Regional Sports Commission was created in 1988. The mission of the Sports Commission is to “Enrich Our Community Through Sports" by representing the citizens of the Valley to bring national and international sporting events to the state, assist in the promotion of existing events and teams, and support youth sports programs. To learn more about the Sports Commission, please visit www.phoenixsports.org.
About the Grand Canyon State Games
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, The Grand Canyon State Games is Arizona’s Amateur Olympics. In celebrating our 20th Anniversary year, the mission remains solid in showcasing the talents and aspirations of Arizona’s and America’s amateur athletes regardless of age or ability. Approximately 25,000 participants compete annually and over 450,000 athletes have competed to date since our inception in our year-round format which offers over 100 sporting events and the nation’s largest Art and Essay Contests. The tradition of excellence continues in the nationwide prestigious Lori Piestewa National Native American Games event. The vision remains strong in our motto to Get Up! Get Active! Get Involved! Get Healthy!
Friday, November 30, 2012
Friday, October 26, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
"Being the Best I Can Be"
As our Essay Contest approaches we remember Spencer Becker's Gold Medal winning essay from 1996.
~Wid
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
"I want you to sleep in your garage tonight"
I want you to sleep in your garage tonight. But before you go to sleep, I want you to look at your car and imagine that when you wake up it will be your dream car.
Good Morning! My guess is that it is the same car... Point being, we are who we are and we do what we do!
I said on Sunday that when the replacement ref's either determine the outcome of a game or someone gets severely hurt, enough is enough. The President of the United States even tweeted his opinion regarding Monday Night! For the integrity of the game, the players, the owners, the fans, the coaches, and the refs, let's get it figured out!
~Wid
Good Morning! My guess is that it is the same car... Point being, we are who we are and we do what we do!
I said on Sunday that when the replacement ref's either determine the outcome of a game or someone gets severely hurt, enough is enough. The President of the United States even tweeted his opinion regarding Monday Night! For the integrity of the game, the players, the owners, the fans, the coaches, and the refs, let's get it figured out!
~Wid
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
It's a Family Affair
Outside the huddle: Arizona Cardinals guard Adam Snyder offers details of his marriage proposal, scorpion hunting
by Bob McManaman - Sept. 11, 2012 08:15 PM
azcentral sports
Today: Adam Snyder, right guard.
Question: I understand you married Erik Widmark's daughter, Erika. We know Erik from the years he worked in the Cardinals organization as a pro personnel guy, a scout and other job titles. How'd you meet Erika?
Answer: We met in college. She played volleyball at Oregon, and we met my redshirt freshman year. We've been together ever since.
Q: You know, Erik used to be the "turk" in training camp, the guy assigned to go collect playbooks from the guys who got cut. Were you aware of that?
A: (Laughs) Yeah, I think I've heard that. But I think knowing him has actually helped my career. He knows a lot of people.
Q: How'd you propose to your wife?
A: I proposed at a lake house in Idaho. I sent her to go get dinner and I went out to the dock and lined it with tiki torches and made a big heart out of rose petals with some candles. I really tried to do it up.
Q: OK, wait. We've got teammates listening in on this. Maybe we should move on, what do you think?
A: No, I'm OK with it. The guys can tease me if they want, but it worked, so I'm happy about it.
Q: I see you studied journalism and public relations in college. Why?
A: I really like to write, so I thought getting into journalism would be the best, but it worked out that PR was the best option.
Q: So I can't help but notice you linemen have a little, tiny stereo you listen to on this side of the locker room and the defensive linemen have this massive stereo right over there that looks like a car. What's up with that?
A: Yeah, (Darnell) Dockett's got that huge thing over there and hey, look, he wins. It's enormous. But when it's just the O-linemen sitting here, we'll play the tunes. Usually, it's '80s music. Huey Lewis and the News and that kind of stuff.
Q: Hmm. OK then. What's your favorite artist or band?
A: I'm more of a genre guy. I like punk rock.
Q: Nice. My colleague, Kent Somers, mentioned that he saw you and Daryn Colledge riding in a glass elevator during the preseason trip to Tennessee. He said you looked deathly afraid. Got a fear of heights or something?
A: (Laughs) Things like roller coasters, I've got no problem with. Airplanes are fine. But when I'm like standing on an edge looking over, it freaks me out. I just don't want to be around it. The Grand Canyon is my biggest fear.
Q: I can relate to that. So do you have any other issues, other than that? I mean, anything else that totally freaks you out?
A: I'm not a huge fan of scorpions. I've had some of them around my house.
Q: What do you do about them?
A: I have a golf club and a black light and try to go out and hunt them down.
Q: Any in the house yet?
A: No, thank goodness.
Q: Well, don't you think you ought to knock on wood?
A: (Knocks on his locker, which is made of wood) Thanks.
Q: Dockett has a dislike for anything 49ers. Since you came from there as a free agent, were you concerned about having any problems with him?
A: We've had some battles, man. I think I've played him 14 times. I was a little nervous to see how it would go, how he'd react and how I'd react. But it was great. We shook hands and eventually began to have conversations. We talk about stuff that's going on, and he's made me a better player, having to go against him every day in practice.
Q: Every player has injuries, and I hate to even talk about it during the season, but what's the longest needle you've ever had to endure to get you through the pain?
A: I've been fortunate enough to -- again, knock on wood -- not have any serious issues. So it was just a normal syringe when I've needed something small done.
Q: OK, last one. I always ask for a guy to name one teammate he thinks is going to have a breakout-type game. Who's the one you think will come up huge this Sunday at New England?
A: I'll say Michael Floyd. He's ready. He doesn't have a reception yet in a regular-season game, but I've been watching him, and I think he's going to be the guy.
by Bob McManaman - Sept. 11, 2012 08:15 PM
azcentral sports
Question: I understand you married Erik Widmark's daughter, Erika. We know Erik from the years he worked in the Cardinals organization as a pro personnel guy, a scout and other job titles. How'd you meet Erika?
Answer: We met in college. She played volleyball at Oregon, and we met my redshirt freshman year. We've been together ever since.
Q: You know, Erik used to be the "turk" in training camp, the guy assigned to go collect playbooks from the guys who got cut. Were you aware of that?
A: (Laughs) Yeah, I think I've heard that. But I think knowing him has actually helped my career. He knows a lot of people.
Q: How'd you propose to your wife?
A: I proposed at a lake house in Idaho. I sent her to go get dinner and I went out to the dock and lined it with tiki torches and made a big heart out of rose petals with some candles. I really tried to do it up.
Q: OK, wait. We've got teammates listening in on this. Maybe we should move on, what do you think?
A: No, I'm OK with it. The guys can tease me if they want, but it worked, so I'm happy about it.
Q: I see you studied journalism and public relations in college. Why?
A: I really like to write, so I thought getting into journalism would be the best, but it worked out that PR was the best option.
Q: So I can't help but notice you linemen have a little, tiny stereo you listen to on this side of the locker room and the defensive linemen have this massive stereo right over there that looks like a car. What's up with that?
A: Yeah, (Darnell) Dockett's got that huge thing over there and hey, look, he wins. It's enormous. But when it's just the O-linemen sitting here, we'll play the tunes. Usually, it's '80s music. Huey Lewis and the News and that kind of stuff.
Q: Hmm. OK then. What's your favorite artist or band?
A: I'm more of a genre guy. I like punk rock.
Q: Nice. My colleague, Kent Somers, mentioned that he saw you and Daryn Colledge riding in a glass elevator during the preseason trip to Tennessee. He said you looked deathly afraid. Got a fear of heights or something?
A: (Laughs) Things like roller coasters, I've got no problem with. Airplanes are fine. But when I'm like standing on an edge looking over, it freaks me out. I just don't want to be around it. The Grand Canyon is my biggest fear.
Q: I can relate to that. So do you have any other issues, other than that? I mean, anything else that totally freaks you out?
A: I'm not a huge fan of scorpions. I've had some of them around my house.
Q: What do you do about them?
A: I have a golf club and a black light and try to go out and hunt them down.
Q: Any in the house yet?
A: No, thank goodness.
Q: Well, don't you think you ought to knock on wood?
A: (Knocks on his locker, which is made of wood) Thanks.
Q: Dockett has a dislike for anything 49ers. Since you came from there as a free agent, were you concerned about having any problems with him?
A: We've had some battles, man. I think I've played him 14 times. I was a little nervous to see how it would go, how he'd react and how I'd react. But it was great. We shook hands and eventually began to have conversations. We talk about stuff that's going on, and he's made me a better player, having to go against him every day in practice.
Q: Every player has injuries, and I hate to even talk about it during the season, but what's the longest needle you've ever had to endure to get you through the pain?
A: I've been fortunate enough to -- again, knock on wood -- not have any serious issues. So it was just a normal syringe when I've needed something small done.
Q: OK, last one. I always ask for a guy to name one teammate he thinks is going to have a breakout-type game. Who's the one you think will come up huge this Sunday at New England?
A: I'll say Michael Floyd. He's ready. He doesn't have a reception yet in a regular-season game, but I've been watching him, and I think he's going to be the guy.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
"The Golden Years"
I'm not so sure! Now that I'm 65 my life is dominated by :
1. Information about Medicare benefits.
2.Long term health care insurance.
3.Assisted living opportunities.
4.Choosing a cemetery plot.
5.Deals on prescription drugs.
6. Explaining to my grandchildren why Pa Pa doesn't have any hair on the top of his head.
7. And what's that hitch in your get-along.
8.Making sure there is plenty of fiber in my diet.
You get the idea!
Golden?
I'm not so sure....
Wid
1. Information about Medicare benefits.
2.Long term health care insurance.
3.Assisted living opportunities.
4.Choosing a cemetery plot.
5.Deals on prescription drugs.
6. Explaining to my grandchildren why Pa Pa doesn't have any hair on the top of his head.
7. And what's that hitch in your get-along.
8.Making sure there is plenty of fiber in my diet.
You get the idea!
Golden?
I'm not so sure....
Wid
Monday, August 27, 2012
Monday, August 6, 2012
From Our First Ever Essay Contest Gold Medalist (18 years ago)
Hello Erik!
Spenser Becker here! Talk about a blast from the past right? (hopefully you remember me) I still think about those essay contest days lol! :) I have been meaning to write to you for a few months now after seeing your article in the paper. How is your health doing? Its good to see your still kicking.
I am very happy for you! :) I also wanted to write to you because I wanted to get back to being involved with GCSG but the disabled community in general. After many years of health problems, getting through high school & the majority of college I am definitely looking forward to independence & starting my own life. As a side not to that I am attending ASU Tempe campus & in fact live within the area. I will be finishing my major in "BIS"
(Bachelors of Interdisciplinary Studies) with two focuses in "Communication"
(which originally was my major) & "Nutrition, Exercise/Wellness". I am hopefully going to be finished & graduated by the end of Spring 2013 at the earliest (if not Fall). I am also curious to know if GCSG does internships by any chance? Looking to hearing from you and to be getting involved again after so long. Again, glad to here your doing well. Talk soon! Thanks Erik!
:)
Kind Regards,
Spenser Becker
~Wid
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