Portland Expo Center Looks to Sports-Focused Future While Memorializing Its History — Sport Oregon Voices

Photo by Joshua James Hough

Expo Future project building around two primary guiding principles

As Oregon’s largest multipurpose facility, the Portland Expo Center has served as an important community gathering spot for events of all types over the last century. But now, as operators look to a more sustainable future for the site, officials are rolling up their sleeves on plans to redefine the focus of the site while memorializing its historical and cultural significance.

There has long been talk of how best the Expo Center could be redeveloped to better suit the community, while at the same time taking a strategic approach to a more sustainable model for the facility to meet its mounting capital improvement needs. As it stands, several of the properties on site are more than 100 years old and in need of significant maintenance, and officials have explored the deconstruction of the site’s old exhibition halls and development of a third barrel-roofed hall over the last 20 years. Unfortunately, the Expo Center currently does not have an income stream suitable enough to meet these financial needs over time.

“Ideally, we want Expo to be able to stand on its own two feet financially and be an asset to the community,” said Jaime Mathis, senior public information specialist for Metro. “It has been an ongoing process for the last 20-plus years, where we’ve been looking at Expo and trying to decide what is the highest and best use for the site.”

Last summer, Metro received eight proposals from community groups and businesses as part of its Phase 1 Request for Expressions of Interest in its efforts to reimagine the site, which currently includes five exhibition halls on 53 acres in North Portland’s Kenton neighborhood. As Metro set out to better understand the potential and value of the Expo Center site in 2019, it began meeting with community groups, stakeholders and government partners to determine a set of guiding principles to serve as a decision-making framework for the Expo Future project. From these efforts two primary objectives emerged: to memorialize the historical and cultural significance of the site and to create a long-term plan for financial sustainability by transforming the Expo Center into a sport-centered facility.

More Reading: Project Background and Overview

As a key part of this development work, a series of workshops and collaborative discussions convened the area’s Japanese-American, Black and Indigenous communities – three groups directly impacted by the history of the Expo Center. The focus of this phase was to discuss and define the project values while developing a set of guiding principles that meaningfully memorialize the significance of the complex’s Hall A and the land, itself, that holds as a site of forced displacement for the three communities.

More Reading: Site History

The goal in developing these guiding principles was to best identify future options for the Expo Center, with these two primary principles serving as the guide for the project’s efforts as it works towards its next phase.

The Expo Future project includes the creation of several governance committees. There is a committee dedicated to determining how best to memorialize the history of the site, a second committee focused on the sports-focus transition and a third, executive advisory committee that will draw all those ideas together and, ultimately, create a list of recommendations to present to Metro Council and the Metropolitan Exposition Recreation Commission (MERC) in 2024.

“We’re really intentionally cultivating these groups of people that will be able to inform Metro of the best and the brightest possibilities for making this sports pivot and doing it in a way that recognizes the historical significance and speaks to the stories that need to be told of those communities impacted by Expo,” said Mathis. “These committees are full of people who have direct-lived experience in both of those areas.”

The process also will involve the input of outside consultants. Hunden Partners, a development advisory practice, has been hired to do a more advanced sports and feasibility study for the project. Representatives from Hunden Partners will be in Portland this month for a site visit and to meet with stakeholders, community members, Expo Future committee members and sports experts in the state. Additionally, the project is in the process of bringing on a community engagement consultant, according to Mathis. This group will work directly with the historical and memorialization committee in its efforts to best tell the stories and create a space that honors them at the Expo Center.

Considering the appeal of sports in the area, Mathis says the Expo Future project presents a unique opportunity to leverage Oregon’s standing as an international leader in sports tourism with a robust sport and outdoor industry as it reimagines its future. The aim of the sports pivot is to create a space where people can compete in a variety of recreational and amateur activities, in addition to enjoying traditional spectator sporting events. The considerable work done in Phase 2 will help decision-makers understand the extent to which transforming the Expo Center into a sports-focused complex will help with business redevelopment and capital investment.

Of course, the Expo Center is no stranger to sports as part of its wide-ranging history as an event facility. But with its aging facilities, there are inherent challenges to hosting regular sporting activities, and a refined focus on sports as the emphasis of its future development plans would result in the Expo Center being much better equipped to routinely host sporting events while still accommodating the many familiar events that continue to be held there. The pivot to sports is meant to be where the focus is, while also accommodating the traditional events that have made the Expo Center home over the years.

At this time, it is yet to be determined what types of sports could be the primary focus of the Expo Center’s future, or if an anchor sport would make the most sense to build around. It's understandable that there are questions left to be answered when it comes to the specifics of the exciting future of the Expo Center at the moment, but there’s tangible momentum regarding its reimagined future.  

“Everyone involved with this project wants to do this in a way that is going to serve the community for the next generation and hopefully generations to come,” Mathis said.

To Stay Up to Date
For all the latest developments on the Expo Future project, subscribe to the project newsletter.

Rose City Rollers Set to Host Highly Competitive ‘Hometown Throwdown’ Nov. 3-5 — Sport Oregon Voices

Some of the best roller derby teams in the world will do battle at Oaks Amusement Park in a three-day tournament

In just two weeks, area sports and entertainment enthusiasts will be able to see some of the most competitive roller derby in the world, right here in Portland. From Nov. 3-5, the Rose City Rollers play host to this year’s Hometown Throwdown, which will be held at the Rose City Rollers Hangar at Oaks Amusement Park.

The tournament features eight high-level women’s teams from as far away as Australia and eastern Canada, participating in a bracketed, sanctioned tournament that affects rankings going into regional play. In additional to two Rose City Rollers host teams in the Wheels of Justice and Axles of Annihilation, this year’s tournament includes Angel City Derby from Los Angeles; Arch Rival Roller Derby from St. Louis; Black Diaspora Roller Derby, the first all-Black flat track roller derby traveling team; Montreal Roller Derby from Quebec and Victorian Roller Derby League from Melbourne, Australia.

Loren Mutch, one of the most decorated jammers in modern roller derby and a team captain of Wheels of Justice, says that the Hometown Throwdown field is stacked with quality teams and that hosting the tournament is particularly meaningful this year.

“This tournament is going to be really high level and competitive, which is really exciting for us because roller derby, post-COVID, has been difficult,” said Mutch, who also serves as the league’s marketing and communications specialist. “A lot of teams have struggled, and just getting back to competitive play has been hard. So, this is exciting that we get to host a high-level, international tournament at home.”

As four-time world champions, Wheels of Justice are currently rated as the No. 1 team in both the North America – West and overall rankings of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA). Axles of Annihilation currently are the fourth-ranked team out of 88 in the North America – West table.

Three different ticket options are available for the upcoming Hometown Throwdown. Day Passes, which include four games daily, are available for $30 each day. Headliner Game Passes are $22 and include a featured evening game during the competition. An all-inclusive Tournament Pass is the best bang for your buck, gaining admission to all 12 games of the three-day tournament for $75.  

For those who can’t attend the tournament but are interested in taking in the action, a live stream of each game can be accessed on the Rose City Roller YouTube channel. Games are regularly featured live on the channel and are archived for later viewing.

Rose City Rollers, a 501c3 organization that started in 2004, is the largest roller derby league in the world, boasting about 500 members, according to Mutch. The league has four competitive “home” teams that regularly compete in adult league play at the Rose City Rollers Hangar. This group includes the Break Neck Betties, Guns N Rollers, Heartless Heathers and High Rollers. Wheels of Justice is the internationally ranked, all-star travel team, and Wreckers is an adult recreational team. Additionally, Rose City Rollers features five teams in its Junior Rosebuds program for skaters 12-18 years of age, and four teams in the Junior Rose Petals program for those 7-12 years of age.

The mission of Rose City Rollers is to serve women, girls and gender-expansive individuals who want to play the team sport of roller derby, connect with an inclusive community, and realize their power both on skates and off. Neary 1,000 active volunteers donate their time and energy to help make Rose City Rollers a leading roller derby league in the world.

Even if you can’t make this year’s Hometown Throwdown, the Rose City Rollers are regularly in action at Oaks Amusement Park, so be sure to check out some of the best roller derby action in the world, right here in our own backyard.

To Learn More
Read up on all things Rose City Rollers by going to www.rosecityrollers.com.

Incremental Growth and Impact: Bandon Dunes Golf Resort Turns 25 — Sport Oregon Voices

Photo: Sheep Ranch (Bandon Dunes Golf Resort)

Destination golf resort to introduce new restaurant, 19-hole course in the coming weeks and months

Nestled on the remote southwest coastline of Oregon, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is something to behold. A bucket-list destination for golf enthusiasts worldwide, and a tourism and economic catalyst for an entire region of Oregon, the resort opened to great fanfare more than two decades ago and has experienced incremental growth and appeal ever since.

For the uninitiated, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort features five 18-hole links courses and one 13-hole, par 3 course. The resort opened in 1999 with the introduction of its first course, Bandon Dunes. Steady expansion has taken place ever since, with the addition of five additional courses: Pacific Dunes (2001), Bandon Trails (2005), Old Macdonald (2010), Bandon Preserve (2012) and Sheep Ranch (2020).

Off the course, the resort currently features nine restaurants and 210 overnight rooms on property. Like the golf courses, the food and beverage outlets and accommodations have been built out over the years to meet the ever-increasing demand and keep the experience updated. Indeed, the resort offers a wide variety of food and lodging options, providing a little something for everyone.

And now, as the resort nears its 25th anniversary in 2024, it will add to its expansive roster of golf and hospitality when it introduces a new 19-hole short course and a new restaurant.

First up, the new Ghost Tree Grill – a Pacific Northwest-inspired steakhouse and raw bar – is scheduled to open at the property later this month. The new restaurant adds to the already broad culinary appeal of the resort, which offers anything from fine dining and Pacific Rim concepts to traditional pub fare and quick service.

Shorty’s – the resort’s new par 3 course – is slated to open late spring/early summer next year. Located between the first hole of Bandon Trails and the Pacific Ocean to the west, the 19-hole course will provide yet another challenge for visitors to experience during their stay. It also will serve as an important source of funding for the resort’s grant-making arm, as it – like proceeds from the Bandon Preserve – will directly fund the Wild Rivers Coast Alliance’s efforts on the Southern Oregon Coast.

Not surprisingly, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort draws golf enthusiasts from across the United States and around the world. According to Michael Chupka, director of marketing and communications for Bandon Dunes, the resort was “blown away by the initial feedback” upon opening in 1999. That interest has led to steady expansion over the years that has continued to add to the attraction of the scenic resort.

Each of the resort’s main courses regularly ranks among the top public courses in the country by top golf publications, further inspiring guests to play each.   

“We are honored that all five 18-hole courses are in the top 20,” Chupka said. “I’d say most of our guests are trying to play every course on property during their stay.”

While Bandon Dunes continues to be regarded as one of the world’s great golf destinations, its increasing attraction and steady expansion have led to escalating economic impact for the Southern Oregon Coast, generating millions for the area economy. According to a white paper impact report conducted by the Warsaw Sports Business Center at the University of Oregon’s Lundquist College of Business, the economic boost to the region primarily comes in the form of job creation, direct and indirect tax support and through spending on locally supplied goods and services.

Through its memorandum of agreement with Coos County, the resort provides a transient lodging assessment of six percent of its room nights. This assessment helps fund the area’s public safety entities while also supporting the marketing and experiential development efforts of Travel Southern Oregon Coast.

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort employs approximately 750 people, including roughly 500 full-time positions. Add to that an additional 200-350 caddies who work at the resort throughout the season, and the resort joins the Bay Area Hospital as a leading employer in the region.  

“The footprint – as far as people here that are supported by the resort – is upwards of over 1,000 people,” said Chupka.

Additionally, the resort’s sustained success has resulted in meaningful contributions from the Wild Rivers Coast Alliance, the grant-making arm of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. The Wild Rivers Coast Alliance benefits from the net proceeds of the resort’s par-3 fifth course – Bandon Preserve – to award grants that promote a region where healthy ecosystems drive a vibrant economy for the region. The WRCA’s ability to generate funds for additional grants will be enhanced further by the opening of the 19-hole Shorty’s course in 2024.

According to its 2022 annual report, Wild Rivers Coast Alliance – in its ongoing efforts to bring lasting conservation and economic and community benefits to the South Coast – has surpassed $7 million in grants supporting projects since its inception in 2011. The focus of the Wild Rivers Coast Alliance is to fund community projects on the South Coast of Oregon that are committed to its triple bottom line of community, conservation and economy. The WRCA’s priorities include supporting and promoting healthy fish and species habitats, working landscapes and seascapes, sustainable tourism, community collaboration and sustainable businesses and non-profits.

Additionally, the resort has long supported the Evans Scholarship program, annually awarding high school students from the region full-ride college scholarships.

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort also has a strong commitment to the ongoing success and growth of the amateur game. Consistent with the mission of its founder, Mike Keiser, to grow the game at the youth and amateur level, the resort has entered into a long-term partnership with the USGA to host several amateur championships over the next two-plus decades. This spirit of access and growth is reflected in the resort’s Junior Bandonista program, which allows golfers 22 years old and younger the opportunity to play any of Bandon Dunes’ golf courses at no charge with an accompanying adult from Mother’s Day weekend through the end of July each year.

Already a top destination for golfers, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort continues to up its game. And no doubt golf enthusiasts from far and wide are excited about the traditional and new offerings it has to offer not only today, and for years to come.  

To Learn More
For more information on Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, go to www.bandondunesgolf.com.

It’s Pendleton Round-Up Time Once Again in Eastern Oregon — Sport Oregon Voices

Photo: Travel Pendleton

Iconic Northwest event marks its 113th edition this year

When it comes to major events in the Northwest, it simply doesn’t get much more iconic than the Pendleton Round-Up.

Steeped in more than a century’s worth of history, this year’s Pendleton Round-Up marks its 113th edition when it “lets ’er buck” once again. As always, the weeklong community celebration, which runs Saturday, Sept. 9 through Saturday, Sept. 16, is once again jam-packed with a host of wide-ranging events, including this Saturday’s traditional Dress-Up Parade on the streets of Pendleton and the Kick-Off Concert, which this year features co-headlining performances by Craig Morgan and Clint Black at Happy Canyon Arena. 

Annually based at the Pendleton Round-Up Stadium during the second full week of September, the major rodeo has been held since 1910 and is a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and the ProRodeo Hall of Fame (inducted in 2008). The timing of the Round-Up is no coincidence, either, as it is scheduled to accommodate the routine of area farmers and the traditional harvest season.

While rodeo is at the core of the Round-Up, it’s really much more. The event has inspired year-round community, private business and non-profit involvement, rallied around the area’s rich Western heritage, its diverse cultures and its spirit of partnership, friendship and work ethic. The Pendleton Round-Up was born out of a desire to bring the community together, and it’s done so to ever-increasing appeal ever since.    

Organizers estimate that 60,000-80,000 event-attendees will flock to Pendleton over the course of Round-Up week to take in all or some of the varied festivities. The humble town of approximately 17,000 residents adeptly stretches its limits each year to enthusiastically accommodate RVs, campers, tents and the like, which routinely dot the landscape of area sports fields and driveways throughout town during Round-Up week.

Further, officials estimate the annual event generates economic impact in the “tens of millions” of dollars, with that impact stretching to neighboring communities like Hermiston, Walla Walla, the Tri-Cities, and pretty much everywhere in between. The community-wide event undoubtedly propels the local economy like no other, providing a significant boost to local restaurants, retailers, hotels, and the many mom-and-pop businesses that welcome people from all over the country and the world to their quaint Eastern Oregon town each year. Each year the Round-Up relies on upwards of 1,5000 volunteers that help curate and execute an array of year-round events and programming in support of the Round-Up.

The Round-Up rodeo events include bull riding, breakaway roping, team roping, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, Indian relay racing, steer wrestling, steer roping and various timed slack events. Once the rodeoing begins, organizers encourage fans to be in their seats well before the standard 1:15 p.m. start time each day. Other events include a hall of fame banquet, a memorial golf tournament, VFW outdoor cowboy breakfasts, tribal ceremonial dancing and pageants, beauty contests, a children’s rodeo, live music shows at Goldie’s Bar at the Canyon and the traditional Westward Ho! Parade through downtown Pendleton on Friday, Sept. 15. The slate of events even includes wild-cow milking.

As one of the biggest rodeos in the PRCA, the Pendleton Round-Up is widely recognized as a top rodeo in the country. To date, it has been chosen as the Large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year nine times by the organization.

There’s sure to be fun in store for all the cowboys and cowgirls out there, and for all the wanna-be cowboys and cowgirls.

To learn more about this year’s Pendleton Round-Up, we have listed a number of helpful links below:
Tickets
Schedule of Events
General Information
Main Website

A Conversation with New Board President Jim Carideo — Sport Oregon Voices

With a life-long love of sports, incoming Sport Oregon Board of Directors President Jim Carideo brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to his new role with the organization. His first job out of college was as a high school head basketball coach in Saginaw, Mich., where he helped lead his team to two state championships and one runner-up finish. He later went to become an assistant basketball coach at Eastern Michigan University and Southern Methodist University, before eventually making his way to Oregon.

A Sport Oregon board member since 2018, Jim is the executive director for UBS Financial Services in Oregon. Below, he shares his thoughts on Sport Oregon’s accomplishments to date, its role in driving tourism and economic impact in the state, and its bright future.

Tell us about your interest in sports, and what drew you to your involvement with Sport Oregon.

Sports have always been an important part of my life, and an important part of my family’s lives.

Growing up in Tampa, Fla., I was aware of the great work that the Tampa Sports Authority did. They were instrumental in bringing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the area and were always involved with athletics and activities in the area. I think that they’re sort of a model for other sports authorities throughout the nation.

So, when I came here to Oregon years ago, one of the first people I met was [Sport Oregon CEO] Jim Etzel. We both like sports, he told me a lot about the organization, and for me, it was somewhat of a natural fit. I was enthusiastic about the direction he was taking the organization, and he knows the impact this organization can have on the entire state of Oregon.

What kind of impact do you think Sport Oregon has in the state?

Previously we, as an organization, talked about kids and people getting involved with sports, and what a great outdoor community that Oregon is. But we’ve evolved into a real business, helping bring important sports tourism to our state. Our relationships with Travel Portland and Travel Oregon are vital to bringing tourism here to the state of Oregon. That is reflected in our recent involvement with INDYCAR racing, NASCAR and Green Savoree Racing Promotions, and in helping to bring a number of different things to Oregon and the Portland area.

I think that these efforts are not only impactful to the community, to younger people being more involved in athletics and being more active, but we can have a greater impact in bringing all types of things – including professional and college sports – to the Portland area and the state of Oregon.

With your extensive involvement with the Sport Oregon board, what are some things you’re most proud of since joining?

The biggest thing is how we are perceived and how we’ve expanded our outreach to the entire community, and seeing the number of organizations that have rallied and become a part of Sport Oregon. I am proud of the impact that we’ve been able to see with other local companies and organizations, and seeing the impact we’ve had with such a broad reach.

I think the success of SHE FLIES has been monumental, and it’s something that we can continue to build on. It reflects not only the financial impact that we can help provide for the state of Oregon, but it really has an impact at the individual level as we continue to encourage sports and activities in our local community.

Now as president of the board, what are some of your goals and aspirations for Sport Oregon, and its board of directors?

Certainly I have a great deal of respect for what [past board presidents] Bill Hueffner and Chris Van Wagner have done since I’ve been here. I think the foundation that’s been built over the past few years, and the path the organization has taken has been in the absolute right direction. We have become relevant in all the conversations when it comes to sports and tourism here in Oregon.

I think that everyone on the board, and the staff that Jim has put together, is engaged and cohesive. The leaps and bounds that we’ve seen happen in recent years – especially during a tough time with COVID – are incredible.

We know we have the right people in place, and now it’s a matter of continued execution. And then it’s a matter of us as an executive board, which is really close and spends a lot of time together, reaching out to the other board members, the other organizations that are a part of this, and have them being able to achieve what they want within the organization, similar to what we’ve been able to provide our employees and clients at UBS.

What I think you’re seeing within our executive board now is a representation of our community. The diversity that we have within our board makes us a greater and stronger voice.

What is the ultimate impact that Sport Oregon can have?

I think that we’re just at the infancy. I’ve seen how other commissions are in other communities. The impact that we can have in our own communities… we’re just starting here in Oregon.  I would love to see us continue to execute, and if we can execute halfway as good as we have over the last couple of challenging years, we can help direct the future of where Portland is headed. Because let’s face it, we’ve had a few tough years here, but some of the successes that we’ve helped bring forward are indicative of what’s going to happen in the future for Portland.

Women’s Golf Takes Center Stage in Oregon This Month — Sport Oregon Voices

Top golfers gather to compete in Oregon for U.S. Senior Women’s Open Championship, LPGA Portland Classic and Espon Tour Wildhorse Ladies Golf Classic

There’s no shortage of professional women’s golf events to enjoy in our state this month, as many of the top golfers in the world will bring their talents to Oregon to take part in one of three top-level tournaments.

Portland’s Waverly Country Club will host the 2023 U.S. Senior Women’s Open Championship from Aug. 24-27. The tournament marks the eighth time Waverly has hosted a USGA championship, and it marks the first time the U.S. Senior Women’s Open Championships has been held in Oregon.

In terms of this year’s field, 2021 U.S. Senior Women’s Open champion (and one of the most successful golfers of all-time) Annika Sorenstam is schedule to participate. Additionally, Juli Inkster – a hall-of-fame golfer who won a U.S. Women’s Amateur at Waverly Country Club in 1981 – returns to Portland, while Waverly member Lara Tennant – a three-time USGA champion – looks to take advantage of her home course against this year’s talented field.

The event is open to professional females, and amateur females with a handicap not exceeding 7.4, who have reached their 50th birthday as of the first day of the championship. The field will include 120 players who earn entry into the championship via qualifying at various sites nationwide or through an exemption category.

According to Julia Pine, director of championship communications for the USGA, the Senior Women’s Open Championship is family friendly and offers many opportunities for fans to interact with the golf greats, even allowing fans to walk the fairways behind the players.

“It’s a really awesome opportunity for fans, and the women really appreciate having the support,” Pine said.

This year’s tournament is the fifth U.S. Senior Women’s Open and marks the 40th USGA championship, overall, to be held in the state of Oregon.

Tickets are available at www.usseniorwomensopen.com. For those unable to attend, weekend action will be broadcast on Peacock and Golf Channel.

A week later, the 52nd edition of the Portland Classic will take place at Columbia Edgewater Country Club in Portland from Aug. 31-Sept. 3. As the longest-running, non-major LPGA tournament, the Portland Classic has produced some of the most memorable moments on tour, also serving as a dramatic launch point for breakout stars.

Many of the top LPGA players are scheduled to appear at this year’s tournament, including past Portland Classic champions Jin Young Ko (2021), Georgia Hall (2020), Hannah Green (2019), Marina Alex (2018), Stacy Lewis (2017), Brooke Henderson (2015, 2016) and Cristie Kerr (2008).

Of those scheduled to play, the Portland Classic field currently features eight of the top 10 players in the world, a group that includes top-ranked Nelly Korda in addition to Lydia Ko, Ruoning Yin, Lilia Vu, Atthaya Thitikul and Allisen Corpuz, who recently won the U.S. Open.

This year’s Portland Classic once again will feature a popular family fun zone, complete with free snow cones and interactive activities for fans of all ages. As a proud sponsor of the Portland Classic, Sport Oregon will have an active presence at the tournament, including a SHE FLIES informational tent. 

Daily admission for this year’s Portland Classic is just $10 for adults, with kids 17 and younger receiving free admission. Four-day passes are available online for $25. If you can’t make it out this year, live coverage of the Portland Classic begins Thursday at 3 p.m. PT on Golf Channel, which will carry all four days of the tournament from 3-6 p.m. each day.

Setting the stage out east, the Epson Tour’s 2023 Wildhorse Ladies Golf Classic will be held in Pendleton from Aug. 14-20 at the Wildhorse Golf Course and the Golf Course at Birch Creek. An official event on the LPGA qualifying tour, the Wildhorse Ladies Golf Classic is the only Epson Tour event to be held in Oregon this year.

More than 130 professional golfers from upwards of 40 countries are expected to compete in the Pendleton event. As part of the seven-day event, players will participate in youth clinics for local kids and members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

Golfers on the Epson Tour compete throughout the season, which runs from March through October, for a chance to play on the LPGA Tour.

The Wildhorse Ladies Golf Classic includes the Pro-Am Tournament, Aug. 16-17, with a shotgun start beginning at 12 noon. The Ladies Golf Classic will take place Aug. 18-20, with tee times beginning at 7 a.m. and 11:50 a.m.

Tickets for the Wildhorse Ladies Golf Classic, starting as low as $5 per day, are available at www.wildhorseresort.com.

Creating Substantial Impact, New Opportunities Through Sport: A Conversation with Sport Oregon President Emeritus Chris Van Wagner — Sport Oregon Voices

As she transitions to her new role as president emeritus of the Sport Oregon board of directors, Chris Van Wagner reflects on her productive term as board president, and on her extensive experience with the non-profit organization whose mission is to drive economic growth and enhance positive social impact in Oregon through sports.

Looking back at your term as board president at Sport Oregon, what are some of the organization’s achievements you are most proud of?
“Sport Oregon has changed significantly in the past two years, but at the same time, it has stayed focused using its expertise in bringing sport-related opportunities to Oregon. Numerous new opportunities were supported and/or promoted in the past few years that will have an everlasting impact on Oregon. NASCAR, the NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four in 2030, IRONMAN, and the World Athletics Championships Oregon22 in 2022 are just a few examples of programs Sport Oregon has touched. The relationship with Travel Oregon and Travel Portland, as well as other statewide tourism groups, supports the approach Sport Oregon has focused on. This has broadened the economic development and support from many partners, the city of Portland and all sport stakeholders across Oregon to embrace sports as a catalyst for change. The organization has also grown and developed the Sport Oregon Foundation through the grassroots efforts of the staff and partners. The SHE FLIES initiative was launched in the foundation, in support of women athletes and coaches and offering grants to community partners with like goals. The amazing, diverse board of directors has supported all of these opportunities, recognizing the value Sport Oregon brings to them as community leaders. But what am I most proud of? That would definitely be the amazing staff who work every day in the Sport Oregon office supporting these initiatives. Their work in telling the stories, developing events, to supporting all the board members is stellar! They are each leaders in their work, and the organizational changes, opportunities and successes have all started with them.”

What inspired you to get involved with Sport Oregon?
“For my entire life, as an athlete and currently an active adult, I have had a passion for sports. My professional career led me down a path that offered me the opportunity to lead programs that supported the health, wellness and prevention of injuries for athletes of all ages. Being part of Sport Oregon since 2013, I have been involved in many different programs, together with the staff, that supported these very passions. As a woman leader, I was able to further that work as the president of the board. I have helped launch the future of Sport Oregon through the efforts of the foundation and, specifically, the SHE FLIES initiative supported by the foundation. It is a natural link for me to be involved in all things sport, both socially and professionally, and I hope to continue to be part of the sports fabric in Oregon through my many contacts with Sport Oregon.”  

What do sports mean to you, and what value beyond the field of play do you think sports provide?
“Being involved in sports through college and beyond was a privilege. Although, sports at any level provide an opportunity to learn skills that are used throughout one’s life. In sport, you learn new skills that challenge both your body and your mind. You take direction from an expert, and learn to trust others for their own part in the game. You learn how to communicate with others, both professionally and with your family. You learn resiliency through wins, losses, injuries and frustrations. But most of all, and especially for women athletes, you learn leadership. I am extremely fortunate to have been a leader for most all of my career, and now, I have another privilege in returning to my alma mater, Pacific University, to use those skills once again as a Boxer! My hope is that the efforts of Sport Oregon continue to grow in their support to create youth sport opportunities and influencing, through sport, our future community members and leaders.”

Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of Sport Oregon, and sports in our state?
“The team at Sport Oregon has supported, developed and led several initiatives in Oregon, through sport, that will bring visitors, teams and fans to Oregon. This work will be present to everyone who travels through and/or lives in this beautiful state. To be part of this for the past 10 years, and especially as the board president working close to the team for the past two years, has been an honor. Sport Oregon is changing how sport is viewed in Oregon and it will only continue to grow!”

PNC Bank Named Presenting Partner for Sport Oregon Big Swing Golf Tournament

Inaugural Sport Oregon Big Swing Golf Tournament powered by PNC Bank to take place Monday, Sept. 11, at Willamette Valley Country Club

PORTLAND, Ore. — Sport Oregon and PNC Bank have entered into a new partnership that makes the financial services institution the presenting partner for the inaugural Sport Oregon Big Swing Golf Tournament powered by PNC Bank, it was announced today.

The Sport Oregon Big Swing Golf Tournament powered by PNC Bank will take place Monday, Sept. 11, at Willamette Valley Country Club in Canby, Ore. The event serves as a critical fundraiser for the 501c6 Sport Oregon corp., which drives positive social and economic impact through sport in Oregon.

Today’s announcement represents an extension of PNC Bank’s longstanding support of Sport Oregon, and its mission to drive economic impact and enhance the quality of life for all Oregonians through sport.

“We extend our sincerest thanks to PNC for their unwavering support as the presenting partner of the inaugural Sport Oregon Big Swing Golf Tournament,” said Jim Etzel, CEO of Sport Oregon. “Their commitment to Sport Oregon and dedication to our mission of bringing sporting events to the state of Oregon is unparalleled.”

While PNC has had a presence in Portland dating back to the 1990s, the bank officially opened an office of the regional president in 2020. Since then, PNC has seen significant local growth and built strong alliances with area businesses and non-profit organizations, such as Sport Oregon.

“PNC is a national main street bank. We operate like a community bank, but offer all the services of a large, coast-to-coast financial institution,” said J.T. Hutchinson, PNC regional president for Portland. “Supporting organizations like Sport Oregon fully aligns with PNC’s broader goal of truly connecting with the communities where we live and work, with a keen focus on economic development.”

The Sport Oregon Big Swing Golf Tournament powered by PNC Bank, which will feature a shamble format, aims to provide an elevated golf experience, creating a great opportunity to connect and build relationships with fellow participants, stakeholders and clients, while supporting Sport Oregon’s broader mission.

Willamette Valley Country Club is an 18-hole championship course located approximately 25 miles south of downtown Portland. Willamette Valley Country Club hosts major events such as U.S. Open Qualifiers and Pacific Northwest Section PGA pro-am events and tournaments.

Additional sponsorship opportunities remain for this year’s tournament. For more information, contact Kristin Spear, Sport Oregon’s director of strategic partnerships, at kristin@sportoregon.org. For more information about Sport Oregon and the work the organization does, go to sportoregon.org.

About PNC Bank
PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit pnc.com.

IRONMAN 70.3 Oregon Continues to Impress Athletes, Impact Local Businesses — Sport Oregon Voices

Third-annual IRONMAN triathlon to take place in Salem on Sunday, July 23

Just over two years ago, organizers began planning the first-ever IRONMAN competition to take place in the state of Oregon. With an incredibly short runway of seven months from announcement to event, that first IRONMAN 70.3 Oregon held in Salem in 2021 was nothing short of a grand success.

And it’s just kept building from there.  

Coming up on Sunday, July 23, the third-annual IRONMAN 70.3 Oregon will take place, once again in Salem and the surrounding area. About 2,500 athletes are expected to participate in the event, with a majority of those coming from out of state. This year’s event, which is sold out, is one of the 118 IRONMAN 70.3 events put on worldwide. It also serves as a qualifier for the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, which will be held in Taupō, New Zealand.

Over its first two years, Oregon’s IRONMAN competition has proved to be a huge success for all involved, not the least of which being the Salem-area economy.

Last year’s IRONMAN 70.3 Oregon – hosted by Travel Salem, the Willamette Valley Visitors Association, the City of Salem, Travel Oregon and Sport Oregon – produced nearly $10.2 million in estimated economic impact for the Salem economy. Drawing over 2,300 athletes and 4,700-plus spectators, the 2022 event resulted in an estimated 8,668 room nights and roughly $2.2 million in lodging and occupancy tax revenue. It also resulted in more than $2.6 million in food service revenue, more than $1 million spent at food stores, nearly $1.4 million in retail sales impact and more than $1 million in arts and entertainment expenditures.  

“The event has just been extraordinary, and our community has really responded to it,” said Angie Villery, the president and CEO of Travel Salem. “It has impacted our small businesses, our wine industry, our restaurateurs, hotel industries and much more.” 

From an athlete’s perspective, the event’s reception has been overwhelmingly positive as well. Recently, the IRONMAN 70.3 Oregon triathlon was voted as having the “Best Overall Run Experience” among the 118 IRONMAN 70.3 events held globally, as part of the 2022 North America IRONMAN 70.3 Athletes’ Choice Awards. In addition, the Oregon event was recognized in the Top 10 of additional categories, including “Will Recommend to a Friend,” “Overall Bike Experience” and “Overall Venue Experience.”

The upcoming triathlon once again features a 1.2-mile downriver swim in the Willamette River, followed by a 56-mile bike ride to Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge and back to Riverfront Park in Salem. The final leg consists of a 13.1-mile out-and-back run through Minto-Brown Island Park.

According to Joel Gaff, the race director for IRONMAN 70.3 Oregon, participants appreciate the rolling hills, quaint rural roads and the pastoral vineyards and agricultural scenery of the triathlon. 

Gaff says IRONMAN had long wanted to host an event in Oregon, and the confluence of events leading up to the first IRONMAN 70.3 Oregon in 2021 made it a natural fit. From a practical standpoint, there are certain requirements involved with holding a triathlon, for starters, and Salem had all the necessary infrastructure, history and enthusiasm to make it possible.

“It is an area of the country that obviously has a lot of tradition in terms of athleticism and activity,” Gaff said. “It just made sense, and finally we were able to hone in on Salem and everything really worked to make it happen. From there, it’s just blossomed into being a fan-favorite.”

Additionally, Gaff says the volunteerism surrounding the Oregon event has been a critical part of its success. He indicates “an army of about 1,000 volunteers” will supplement a staff of about 40 to help with this year’s event.

“The volunteers are such an integral part of making this event happen,” he said.

A number of volunteer positions remain available, with additional information and registration details available on the IRONMAN 70.3 Oregon website.  

“The energy in the city when the event comes into town is just amazing, and the community really comes out to support it,” Villery said. “Our community really comes out in droves to not only welcome the athletes, but support them during the race itself.”

The IRONMAN series also has a long history of giving back to the communities in which it holds its event. Since 2003, The IRONMAN Foundation, in partnership with The IRONMAN Group, has provided more than $55 million in charitable giveback to 10,000 organizations in more than 75 communities around the world, including Salem. The mission of The IRONMAN Foundation is to create positive, tangible change in race communities through grant funding and volunteerism.

With mere days remaining before this year’s sold-out IRONMAN 70.3 Oregon, it’s not too early to start thinking about next year and registration details for the 2024 event by signing up for IRONMAN updates.

Sport Oregon Young Professionals Board Creating Opportunities, Making Fundraising Impact — Sport Oregon Voices

Aug. 11 Sport Oregon YPB Pickleball Tournament presented by SKH Attorneys to benefit SHE FLIES and the Sport Oregon Foundation

Bolstered by increased board membership and energizing engagement, the Sport Oregon Young Professionals Board continues to make important contributions to the non-profit organization, and the community as a whole.

At its core, the Sport Oregon YPB works in support of the organization’s mission to drive economic growth and enhance positive social impact in Oregon through sports. Representing the next generation of leaders and creators, the YPB also presents its members the opportunity to create relationships with professionals across a wide array of industries through networking and career-enhancement opportunities. It’s an exciting and rewarding way for area young professionals to grow their careers while at the same time making important contributions and having a meaningful say in the way Sport Oregon is able to raise funds to support its mission, and to make an important impact in the community.

Ian Frost, vice president of Sport Oregon’s YPB, has been a part a part of the board since the beginning and has seen it grow from a handful of people to where it is now, with roughly 40 members. He knows first-hand the value of the YPB and is excited about the increased impact it is having in support of Sport Oregon’s initiatives.

In terms of career-building, the YPB – which meets every other month – regularly offers its members the chance to hear from seasoned business professionals as part of its speakers series. Typically featuring a local business leader – oftentimes one of the many members of Sport Oregon’s senior board – the speakers series has proved to be a valuable learning experience for YPB members.

“Membership in YPB is a great way to grow your career,” Frost said. “You get the opportunity to tap into the expansive knowledge base and experience of senior leaders and board members of Sport Oregon, and learn from the professional and personal success they’ve had.”

The Sport Oregon YPB has six different committees, each serving an important role in the group’s efforts to support the organization. There is an events committee, a social committee, a speakers committee, a marketing committee, a membership committee and a special projects committee.

Last year, the YPB endeavored on its own fundraising event, as it successful produced a par-three golf tournament at The Children’s Course. This year, the group is holding a similar event, only with the increasingly popular pickleball as the sport of choice.

Sport Oregon and SKH Attorneys are teaming up to present the first YPB Pickleball Tournament on Friday, Aug. 11. Beginning at 12:30 p.m., the pickleball tournament will be held at RECS in Clackamas and will feature a round-robin style format suitable for all skill levels. For those not as familiar with the budding new recreational activity of pickleball, the event will also include lessons and a “how-to” component prior to the hitting the courts.

Registration for the pickleball tournament is open now, while sponsorship opportunities are still available as well. The event will feature 18 teams of two, and teams also can bring in extra players as subs if they choose.

Maximo Minervini, who heads up the YPB events committee, says that the tournament is a great way for people to get involved with Sport Oregon’s fundraising efforts while having fun away from the office on the pickleball courts at RECS. He says the event is intended to be a more casual affair, with participants of all skill levels invited to take part.

Funds raised from the tournament at RECS will benefit SHE FLIES and the Sport Oregon Foundation.

“As supporters of SHE FLIES and Sport Oregon, RECS felt like a natural fit as a partner to host our YPB fundraising event this year,” Minervini said. “Pickleball is one of the most rapidly growing sports in the country, and we’re all looking forward to the tournament in August.”

Minervini, who grew up following local sports, joined the Sport Oregon YPB in 2020, and, as a local financial advisor by trade, is a great example of someone whose profession falls outside the realm of sports. In fact, many of YPB members work in industries not related to sports.

Frost, who also leads the YPB’s recruitment efforts, says the varied backgrounds and industries represented by the board’s membership is one of the most rewarding parts about being involved with the group. He says its energizing in the way it brings varied experience and perspectives to the board in its efforts to support Sport Oregon’s work.

As its membership and engagement has continued to grow, Frost says the board’s capacity for what it can achieve has increased exponentially. Members of the YPB have been instrumental in supporting Sport Oregon events in recent months, including the annual SHE FLIES Festival and last weekend’s Southwire Portland E-Prix at Portland International Raceway.

But there’s always more work to be done, and Frost says the board continues to strive to increase its talent pool with energizing young professionals.

“The broad involvement from different people and companies just makes our abilities as a group greater,” he said. “We are always open to adding people who enjoy playing an active part in their community.”

To Register For The YPB Pickleball Tournament presented by SKH Attorneys
Registration is currently available for the YPB Pickleball Tournament presented by SKH Attorneys, with an option to purchase one team, or two teams at a discounted rate.

To Learn More About Sponsorship Opportunities For The YPB Pickleball Tournament
For additional information on sponsorship opportunities for the YPB Pickleball Tournament, contact Maximo Minervini.

To Get Involved With The Sport Oregon YPB
The Sport Oregon YPB is open to new members. For those interested in joining or learning more about its efforts, contact Ian Frost.

First Big Swing Golf Tournament to Provide Valuable Fundraising, Elevated Experience — Sport Oregon Voices

First Sport Oregon Big Swing tournament to take place Monday, Sept. 11, at Willamette Valley Country Club in Canby

Coming up this fall, Sport Oregon is providing a new opportunity for its investors and members to network, play some golf on a terrific local course, and raise funds for the 501c6 Sport Oregon corp. On Monday, Sept. 11, the non-profit organization will host its first Sport Oregon Big Swing Golf Tournament at Willamette Valley Country Club in Canby, Ore.

The tournament, which will be a shamble format, aims to provide an elevated golf experience, creating a great opportunity to connect and build relationships with fellow participants, stakeholders and clients, while supporting Sport Oregon’s mission to drive economic impact and enhance the quality of life for all Oregonians through sport.

Plans are in the works to have a local sports personality join each foursome, while the event will feature participant gifts, food and beverage, and competitions and prizes throughout the tournament.

There are plenty of ways for Sport Oregon members and businesses to get involved in support of the Big Swing tournament and the Sport Oregon mission. Sponsorship opportunities currently available include:

• Presenting Sponsorship

• Official Vehicle Sponsorship

• Official Beverage Cart Sponsorship

• Official Lunch Sponsorship

• Golf Cart Sponsorship

• Driving Range/Putting Green Sponsorship

• Hole Sponsorship

• Chipping Contest Sponsorship

• Long Drive Hole Sponsorship

• KP (closest to the pin) Hole Sponsorship

Each sponsorship package includes branding exposure at the event, website and social media recognition and a foursome to join in the fun come tournament day. Additionally, Sport Oregon can create custom partnerships around the Big Swing tournament.

“The Big Swing is a great opportunity for members and local businesses to take a break from the office and further connect with their clients, fellow Sport Oregon members and business associates, all while raising funds to support Sport Oregon’s mission,” said Kristin Spear, Sport Oregon’s director of strategic partnerships.

Organizers are thrilled to host the first Big Swing tournament at Willamette Valley Country Club, an 18-hole championship course located roughly 25 miles south of downtown Portland. Willamette Valley Country Club hosts major events such as U.S. Open Qualifiers and Pacific Northwest Section PGA pro-am events and tournaments.  

To Get Involved
For further information on the different sponsorship opportunities involved with the first Sport Oregon Big Swing Golf Tournament, please contact Kristin Spear at kristin@sportoregon.org. 

A New Brand of Professional Basketball Coming to PDX This Fall — Sport Oregon Voices

Trail Blazers heavy in launch preparations for the team’s new NBA G League team that begins play at the Chiles Center later this year

Portland has long proved to be a quality basketball town. And come this fall, area fans will have an exciting new brand of basketball to support, as the Portland Trail Blazers launch their new NBA G League team for the 2023-24 season.

The team announced its plans for its own G League team in April, and things are on an expedited time table as the organization gears up for the start of the 2023-24 G League season this fall.

Dewayne Hankins, president of business operations for the Trail Blazers, sees a great deal of upside for the team to have its own G League entry – which will play its home games at the Chiles Center on the campus of the University of Portland. He says the opportunity to start the developmental team from scratch has been energizing for the Trail Blazers staff and presents a lot of advantages, both on the business and basketball sides.

“We really wanted to start developing our players as soon as possible,” Hankins said. “Normally you’d take 12-18 months to ramp up something like this, and we’re doing it in half the time, which is exciting for our staff. We found an incredible partner in the University of Portland, to be able to play at the Chiles Center. We just think it’s a perfect fit.”

As the official development league for the NBA, the G League serves as a minor league companion to the NBA, preparing players, coaches, officials, trainers and front-office personnel, alike, for the NBA. While the Trail Blazers have benefitted from certain player-development aspects of the G League on a more limited scale in the past, launching their own team comes with distinct advantages and conveniences that the team hasn’t had in the past. Namely, having their own G League team gives the Trail Blazers more control over the development of its players on the basketball side, and provides inherent efficiencies with the team playing its games and practicing in Portland, oftentimes alongside the coaches and players from the NBA Trail Blazers.

On the business side, the Trail Blazers’ G League team will serve as a development ground for up-and-coming executives and support personnel. Hankins says that the team will largely be independent from the Trail Blazers in its staffing, with an estimated 10-15 employees dedicated to handling the wide-ranging operations for the G League team. He says there will be some overlap in staff, but that the G League team ideally will be a self-sufficient operation that provides its staff the opportunity to develop and eventually grow into bigger roles with the Trail Blazers.

Hankins credits the team’s assistant general manager, Mike Schmitz, and its senior vice president of innovation & technology, Christa Stout, for their leadership on the basketball and business sides, respectively, in the team’s launch preparations. This experienced leadership is no doubt critical, as there’s a lot to get done before first tip this fall.

But at the same time, there’s a great deal of excitement surrounding the expedited launch, and what it offers.

“What’s exciting about this opportunity for people is first of all, you get to help get it off the ground,” Hankins said. “Secondarily, it offers people the chance to experience different opportunities and grow within the organization and industry.”

The team is planning a grand launch event this summer. At that time, a lot of exciting, fan-facing details will begin to come into focus, including the team’s name, identity and brand. The leadership team is busy with many other details, including the design of the team uniforms, preparing the team’s practice facility to accommodate a second team, hiring of staff and finalizing ticketing and sponsorship details.

In terms of putting the inaugural season’s roster together, that process begins soon with an expansion draft in which the team can choose from players left unprotected by the other G League teams. From there, the team has the opportunity to add free agent players to round out the roster.

“You’re seeing some high-quality talent playing in the G-League,” Hankins said. “It’s where a lot of really good players go to develop and become true NBA stars. That’s going to be really fun for people to see these players come through Portland, and for fans to be able to watch players develop from their first day.”

The team has plans on offering a variety of game promotions and affordable, family-friendly elements to make Portland’s G League experience even more entertaining. The G League typically plays a 50-game season, offering area basketball fans plenty of opportunity to support their new professional basketball team at the Chiles Center. The NBA G League schedule traditionally comes out late summer.

“This town has done such a tremendous job over the years supporting all of its local sports teams,” said Hankins, “and [adding the G League team] allows us to have a relationship with area basketball fans at a really affordable price point.”

While there is still a lot of work to be done, Hankins and the rest of the Trail Blazers staff are more than ready for this unique opportunity.

“We’ll be ready to rock come the fall when the season starts.”

To Learn More
For more information on Portland’s new NBA G League team as it develops, go to www.ripcitygleague.com. The site includes information on the team’s ticketing and sponsorships plans, and gives fans the opportunity to sign up for all the latest news as it becomes available. 

Focus on Tourism: Portland Prepares to Host 2024 Sports ETA Symposium — Sport Oregon Voices

Sport Oregon receives 2022 Portland Award in recognition of outstanding work in elevating city visitor’s industry

For representatives from Portland’s hospitality and tourism industry who recently attended this year’s Sports ETA Symposium in Kansas City, it was a little more involved than usual.

The Sports ETA Symposium is the annual meeting of the Sports Events & Tourism Association, the non-profit trade association for the sports events and tourism industry. Throughout the week, sports destinations meet with hundreds of decision-makers responsible for organizing sports events.

The Portland contingent that traveled to Kansas City included representatives from Sport Oregon, Travel Portland and the Oregon Convention Center. This year, though, they had a bit of a split focus.

Two years ago, Portland was chosen to host the Sports ETA Symposium in April 2024. Aside from the opportunity to host hundreds of event decision-makers in Portland for the week, there is substantial economic impact related to hosting the event. With upwards of 1,000 attendees expected, Sport Oregon officials estimate 3,000-plus hotel room nights will be occupied over the course of the week, with additional economic impact expected in the form of increased business for area restaurants, bars, retail shops, transportation and others.

Hosting the symposium, though, is really more about an investment in the future for tourism in the state. Certainly the event will produce immediate economic impact next April, but organizers see the potential for much greater rewards, in the form of added events and resulting tourism for years to come.

“As an industry event where half of the audience are decision-makers who could potentially bring their event to Portland, the return on investment related to hosting next year’s Sports ETA could be tremendous,” said Cathy Kretz, national account director for Travel Portland. “Typically we create a bid and bring clients to Portland one at a time to showcase our city. But with Sports ETA we have most of our audience here at one time, and we are very excited to welcome the annual event to Portland next year.”

Sport Oregon COO Matt Reed said the Portland contingent – with an eye on best practices and Oregon-centric twists – focused on different elements of the Kansas City symposium. Sport Oregon representatives met with prospective clients to gauge their needs for the 2024 Portland event. Travel Portland reps studied the event through a hotel and hospitality lens. Oregon Convention Center officials centered on food and beverage arrangements, shipping and detailed logistics of hosting the event.

The goal is to showcase all the attractive qualities of the city and state to attendees while they are here next year, with hopes that having so many decision-makers in Portland for the week will result in a significant tourism boost for Oregon.

“The show, itself, is going to create a big impact and produce a great experience,” said Reed, “but we are going to be measured after the show over the next 5-10 years from how we leverage hosting it here in Portland.”

With work already well underway for the 2024 symposium in Portland, the group was busy promoting next year’s event during their time in Kansas City. Reed says they hosted a VIP happy hour for prospective clients, supplied gift cards from area businesses, provided beer tastings from Portland breweries on the show floor and sponsored the closing luncheon, complete with Portland-related gifts and goodies.

Upon their return to Portland, Sport Oregon representatives were on hand for the Travel Portland Annual Tourism and Hospitality Awards Celebration, held at the Oregon Convention Center on May 11. Gov. Tina Kotek presented Sport Oregon CEO Jim Etzel with the 2022 Portland Award, awarded annually to the organization that made the greatest overall contribution to the Portland visitor’s industry during the year. During the presentation, Gov. Kotek recognized Sport Oregon for serving as a “rising tide to lift all boats” in its efforts, and for its significant work to “drive economic growth and enhance positive social impact through sports.”

There were many highlights to celebrate in 2022, including Portland being chosen to host the 2030 NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four, bringing NASCAR events back to Portland International Raceway for the first time in nearly two decades and hosting first- and second-round NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament games once again in Portland.

“We are all very proud of the accomplishments we were able to achieve last year, and receiving this award was a huge honor for us,” Reed said.

It’s all the more reason to look forward to the 2024 Sport ETA Symposium, and the prospect of exposing even more event organizers to the many attractions of the region. Featuring one of the top food cities in the country, unmatched outdoor recreation opportunities, its popular wine country and craft beer industry, and its scenic mountain areas and coastlines, Oregon, indeed, is an attraction unlike any other.

“We want people to come here and experience these things,” Reed said, “and show them how amazing it really is.”

A Tribute To Maika Janat-Vennemann

It is rare to find such a transformational leader (and person, for that matter) as Maika Janat-Vennemann, but we at Sport Oregon have been so fortunate. Maika, our departing COO, joined Sport Oregon in 2019 and, in a relatively short period of time, indelibly changed the landscape of sports in our state.

Maika has made the decision to depart Sport Oregon and her beloved city of Portland to be closer to family in her native Germany. We are all supportive of her decision, and wish her great happiness and success in the next chapter of her life. She will be greatly missed, but we are better people and a stronger organization for having worked alongside her for the past four-plus years.

Maika is the perfect example of a business leader who uses her broad experiences and perspectives to help an organization achieve exceptional success. Her passion to strengthen Portland’s business community as well as local and regional communities through her skills – including executive and project management, live event production, brand marketing, media and business development – allowed Sport Oregon to achieve new heights.

Maika was – and remains – a leading advocate for all types of sports. But in particular, it was her passion, dedication and relentless drive to help launch our flagship SHE FLIES initiative that really stands out as she departs our organization. It’s one thing to be supportive, but her commitment to increasing opportunities for girls and women in sport in such tangible and meaningful ways is exemplary. In just two years, we already have seen the impact that SHE FLIES can have thanks to Maika’s efforts. It will be difficult to fully replicate her contributions, but she laid the foundation for even greater achievements in years to come for SHE FLIES.

More than anything, Maika brings an infectious spirit and “can-do” attitude to everything she does. Simply put, she’s a champion whose positive energy inspires those around her. She has the innate ability to rally around a cause or program, taking the tiniest seed of an idea and developing it to its full potential.

For all of this, we are extremely grateful.

As you’ll see below, there is no shortage of well-wishers for Maika and her family as they depart Portland.

From all of us at Sport Oregon, and everyone who had the pleasure of working alongside her over the years …

Thank you, Maika.

Jim Etzel
CEO, Sport Oregon
“In just over four years, Maika has served as a transformational management leader, helping to steward the organization’s vision and mission development that has reshaped its relevancy and impacts in our community. Externally, Maika is a connector, convener and enabler throughout the city. She was a go-to person for business executives and non-profit organizations in their efforts to help Portland be the great city it strives to be. She is a trusted leader in the local tourism, events and sports conversation."

“But, Maika was a friend first and also a business associate from my prior agency life. I’ve enjoyed a 15-year relationship with her and her husband Venne and I knew what Maika could bring to this organization. I knew she would be an impact player in our organization who would immediately make us better. I jokingly say, ‘we’ve had a lot of great free-agent signings,’ but Maika was the first big one who helped attract everybody else.”

Chris Van Wagner
Board President, Sport Oregon
"Maika has used her natural ability to engage with people across Oregon who have varying interests and talents, to bring them together to link sports to their primary interests. She has changed how this diverse group of partners, activists, investors, parents, tourists and many others think about sports impacting their business, families and the state of Oregon. The amazing talent Maika has is to do this with sincere interest in others, and always offering and acting upon opportunities that support these groups.”

“Her work for Sport Oregon and for the foundational program SHE FLIES has been inspirational and she will be missed. I was fortunate to be the board president during a time that Maika also was growing in her responsibility and reach that offered us the opportunity for many conversations. I will cherish my time spent with Maika discussing business, but more so sharing family and life stories. These happy memories will stay with me, and I wish Maika the best of luck in her next adventure!"

Jim Carideo
Board Vice President, Sport Oregon
Executive Director — Oregon Complex, UBS
“Maika’s passion, execution and caring has helped Sport Oregon grow to levels that we couldn’t even dream about when she came to the organization. Her impact on the community will be felt for years to come.”

“I want to thank Maika for her thoughtful insight and friendship over the years. The mark of a true leader is to leave a place in better shape than you found it. Maika’s leadership has been transformational.”

Matt Reed
COO, Sport Oregon
“I see how Maika moves through the nuances and intricacies at Sport Oregon. It’s been a marvel to watch. I’ve learned so much from Maika professionally, and I’ll do my best to continue her legacy. Personally, I’ve never had a better role model. Maika has managed to be an amazing parent and the best leader I could have ever asked for. I appreciate Maika more than she probably realizes or that I could ever share.”

Billie Moser
VP of International Affairs and Special Projects, Travel Portland
“Maika has meant so much to this beautiful city of Portland and state of Oregon. Wherever I went, everybody always said, ‘don’t you know Maika?’ The entire state knows Maika because she is a huge connector. Maika knows who to bring together to move things forward. We are so happy that this city and state got to have Maika for as long as we did.”

Dr. Robin Beavers
VP of Community and Social Impact, Portland Timbers and Thorns FC
“Maika has been a pillar in our community and it has been such a joy working with her on various community projects over the years. She has been such an inspiration to all of us with her passion for uplifting girls and women in sport, especially through her work in developing SHE FLIES. She’s been an inspiration to me and to young women throughout the city and state, and we hope to carry on Maika’s passion for girls and women in sport through SHE FLIES.”

Alex Jee
Community Manager, Motiv Sports
“Maika has created a place for women in sports. We tell our daughters they can do this or they can be this in sport, but she’s created something visual for them to see. Maika has created a place where people feel like they belong. She has stood in place with total authenticity. Maika had this vision with SHE FLIES. It’s something we all want to be a part of. People say ‘there’s not enough this for girls and why aren’t girls doing this.’ Maika did something about it. I can now tell my daughter … ‘You can go. You can be a part of this.’ All because of what Maika created. This is just another example of something Maika thought about and did. Maika actually gets things done and it is so inspiring.”

Jenny Nguyen
Owner, The Sports Bra
“Maika has been such a great leader for women’s sports. I met Maika because she found out about The Sports Bra and she approached us and she had all of this vision. Maika inspired me to reach further and deeper into the community, especially with young girls in sports. The impact she has left in Portland is widespread. Every time I see Maika, I get this burst of energy. If I have any doubts or overwhelming feelings, Maika brings this contagious energy and confidence. I’m really going to miss having that around.”

Hannah Hallos
Corporate & Commercial Banking Development Program Manager, PNC Bank
“Maika’s impact on the business community goes beyond words. Her radiating energy and positive attitude has been a game-changer, especially for the women’s community. Watching Maika develop SHE FLIES over the last two years has been one of the most impactful experiences of my life. She has created a whole community around girls in Oregon. I think of all the girls who are impacted by all the great work Maika has done. The legacy that Maika is leaving behind is awesome. She has a unique ability to balance being professional and fun at the same time. I hope to accomplish the same things that Maika has one day.”

Harry Cheema
Public Affairs Manager, Alaska Airlines
“It’s no secret that Maika is my favorite person in the state of Oregon. Maika’s commitment to the Oregon athletics landscape is super impressive. The dedication and commitment that she puts into building relationships has made a positive social impact on the lives of many athletes all across the state. And I can tell it comes from a real place of caring. Maika has helped connect a lot of people throughout the Portland community and even more broadly outside the Portland community, like myself. Maika has this way of bridging the connection between people, their passions and what they are deeply committed to. Maika has helped make a larger impact through her network in this region. It’s rare to meet someone who has a lasting impression, but Maika is that rare and special someone.”

Shannon Boxx
Co-Founder, Ethos Mentality
“Maika has inspired me from the beginning. Maika has shown me what it means to be a strong woman. The fact that she loves to bring her family to work with her has shown me that we can do both. She’s an amazing connector who brings people together and leads with such authenticity. What Maika has done with SHE FLIES in such a short amount of time has been priceless. I can’t wait to see where it goes next, but SHE FLIES will truly miss her leadership.”

Maggie Deeks
Founder, The Drop Shot
“Maika is a mobilizer. She helps people distill their dreams into action steps. She does that for her kids, friends, neighbors and community. Every single time that she inspires someone to do something, it’s positive, active and something that they might not have done without her support. Maika showed me how to be brave when I didn’t want to be brave."

Donna Maleki
Global Matching Programs and Communications Manager, Intel Foundation
“I joined the Sport Oregon Young Professionals Board two years ago because I was drawn to the mission and the community that it offered. Little did I know that I would meet one of the most inclusive, inspiring and authentic leaders I’ve ever met. And I know I’m not alone in thinking that. I asked my fellow YPB members to think about a few words to describe Maika. They shared: supportive, dedicated, inspirational, hard-working and fun. Maika has been a leader, mentor, and a friend to so many of us. She has made a lifelong impact and we’re going to miss her dearly.”

Cory Hansen
Director of Brand, Sport Oregon
“Maika’s ability to form quick connections and build relationships is unparalleled. I feel fortunate to have had such a strong leader the last two years and I learned so much watching Maika cut through the fluff to focus on what really matters. She is an elite communicator, but what I appreciate most is often unspoken. Maika leads by example. She walks the walk. Her actions speak louder than mere words. Maika is present. She’s empathetic. She’s a natural leader. And she makes it look easy. Which I know it’s not. Maika showed up for me as a colleague and a friend. I will miss her greatly, but I’m so excited for her next adventure.”

Julia Mayfield
Director of Foundation Relations, Sport Oregon
“It’s an honor to carry on the SHE FLIES legacy from Maika. She’s the true definition of a SHERO who has impacted so many women and girls within our community. We all have big shoes to fill. But in true Maika fashion, these aren’t just any shoes. These are incredibly cool, stylish, colorful, rare and unique shoes. And that’s Maika … rare and unique.”

Hannah Roxas
Community Impact Manager, Portland Timbers and Thorns FC
“Maika has meant everything to the state of Oregon and the sports industry here. I like to call Maika the ‘sports governor’ of the state. Maika makes people feel so welcome. Maika not only invites people to the table, she would build the table and chairs for people that need to be in the room. Maika’s impact is immeasurable.”

Nathan Nayman
External Affairs and Special Projects, Sport Oregon
“Maika is a connector. She is simply a person who is relationship-focused in her approach to life, to people, and to business. She has a certain way of thinking and behaving. She acts and gets results with ease because she has a level of credibility and trust in and from her network of people. She puts a high value on relationships and has a unique ability to meet people exactly where they are with intimacy, compassion, and understanding. It has been my pleasure to work with her and to call her a friend. I will miss her.”

Sport Oregon Names Matt Reed as New Chief Operating Officer

PORTLAND, Ore. – Sport Oregon today announced that Matt Reed has been promoted to chief operating officer (COO) for the organization.  

Previously serving as Sport Oregon’s director of sports tourism after joining the organization in January 2020, Reed has led Sport Oregon’s competitive bid process for hosted events and has managed key tourism relationships throughout the state to support those events.

In his new role with Sport Oregon, Reed will continue to oversee its sports tourism efforts while managing the organization’s departmental staff and all aspects of its day-to-day operations.

“We couldn’t be more excited for Matt to have the opportunity to be the new COO for Sport Oregon,” said Jim Etzel, CEO of Sport Oregon. “Matt possesses all the key qualities you look for in a COO, and he is the perfect individual to join the executive leadership team and help move Sport Oregon into its next growth chapter.”

Reed succeeds Sport Oregon’s former COO, Maika Janat-Vennemann, who departs the organization to be closer to family in her native Germany.

“Maika was a driving force in building this organization to where it is today,” Etzel said. “In many ways, today’s announcement is a testament to the caliber of team we built during her time with the organization. We are fortunate to be able to hire from within, to promote a talented individual like Matt who has such a strong and deep knowledge of our team, organization and industry and who already has had such a tremendous influence on our growth over the past three years.”

Reed has worked in sports tourism since 2012, focusing on attracting world-class collegiate, professional and grassroots sporting events, and working with local partners to make these events successful. In his time with Sport Oregon, he has played a critical role in creating more opportunities and elevating Portland and the state of Oregon as a leading location for top sporting events.

“I’m tremendously appreciative of Jim Etzel and the executive board for entrusting me with this opportunity,” Reed said. “Our team has proved time and again that we’re up to the task of driving true impact in our state through sports and recreation, and I’m so excited to continue working with our staff, members and partners in executing projects that drive and enhance our mission.”

Prior to joining Sport Oregon, Reed served as the national sports sales manager for Team San Jose from 2014-19. He was the sports sales manager for the Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau before joining Team San Jose, an economic development organization and the official convention and visitors bureau for San Jose, Calif.

Originally from Emporium, Pa., Reed earned a bachelor’s degree in communication arts & sciences from Penn State University and went on to earn a master’s degree in sport & recreation management from Temple University.

Matt and his wife, Laura, reside in Beaverton with their son, Ben (5), and daughter, Joey (4 months). 

Inaugural Eight Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo Coming June 17 to Portland Expo Center — Sport Oregon Voices

Noted local photographer goes from documenting Black rodeo culture to producing a marquee event to celebrate Juneteenth in Portland

For the better part of the last decade, Portland-based photojournalist Ivan McClellan has been going to Black rodeos around the country, documenting the unique culture, elevating stories of the rodeo athletes, and developing lifelong friends along the way.

What started as a curiosity – with his first visit to a Black rodeo in Oklahoma in 2015 – quickly developed into a passion project, both from a professional standpoint, and a personal one of self-discovery and appreciation of this element of his culture about which he previously knew very little. Attracted to cowboy culture as a young boy growing up in Kansas City, he was blown away when introduced to Black rodeos as an adult.

And it just took off from there.

Today, McClellan finds himself in a position he’d likely never dreamt of – that of large-scale rodeo event producer. McClellan, along with Councilor Vince Jones-Dixon of the City of Gresham and a team of volunteers, is bringing rodeo back to the Portland Expo Center. On Saturday, June 17, the inaugural Eight Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo will take place there. Doors open at 3 p.m. to explore food, drinks and retail vendors, while the rodeo action starts at 7 p.m.

The invitational rodeo will gather some of the top competitors from across the country with an emphasis on supporting Black western athletes and educating people on the cultural heritage of Black cowboys and cowgirls. The Eight Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo will be an inclusive educational and entertaining event that uses lighting, music and top western athletes to create a fresh rodeo platform. It will feature a host of traditional rodeo events – including barrel racing, bareback riding, bull riding, mutton busting, steer wrestling and ladies breakaway roping – combined with a wide array of additional entertainment, including a comedy show, music by DJ O.G.ONE, cocktails and more.

McClellan says that when he was approached by Jones-Dixon with the idea of bringing a Black rodeo to Portland as a celebration of Juneteenth, he was quick to sign on.

“I jumped all over it, because it just seemed like such a natural extension of the work I had been doing,” McClellan said.

McClellan created the Eight Seconds project in 2015 to showcase his photos and stories of Black rodeo athletes and culture. The Eight Seconds project, characterized by iconic photography portraying the American West, quickly gained widespread recognition and coverage by national media outlets such as ESPN, Elle Magazine, The Washington Post, I-D Magazine, Black Enterprise and Modern Huntsman. McClellan says that, soon, he found himself involved with additional aspects of the Black rodeo culture as well, producing ad campaigns with the athletes, helping them gain sponsorships to sustain their passion, and connecting with a host of top western brands in the process.

“It went from just being a storytelling thing, to really being a deep immersion in western sports and rodeo,” McClellan said.

The event has the support of many local and national organizations and companies, including Travel Portland, Sport Oregon, Tecovas, Wrangler, Pendleton, Wieden+Kennedy, Portland Gear, Women in Ranching, Portland Events & Films, Leverenz & Associates, Tomkat Ranch, Paicines Ranch, the USDA and others.

According to McClellan, the mission of the event goes beyond the actual rodeo. In an effort to create opportunities for young Black Portlanders who want to learn the art of horsemanship, there are five scholarships for a year of horseback riding lessons that will be awarded as a legacy piece of this year’s rodeo, to inspire the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls.

“We think it will be a really inspiring event, to see all these Black cowboys and cowgirls come out in front of a crowd here, inspiring youth and letting them know that this is something that they can achieve in their life if they’re interested,” he said.

For those interested in supporting the event, click here for more information on how to get involved.

In his role as event producer, McClellan has become a jack of all trades. He manages pretty much all elements of the rodeo, from arranging food and retail vendors to horse stalls and fencing, from dirt load-in to the installation of 2,500 seats for spectators. It’s no small task converting the Expo Center into a rodeo ground for a day, but he says it is all worth it, especially as a way to inspire growth for the city and continue in his efforts to shine a light on the sport and its culture. Organizers expect a large majority of attendees will be new to rodeo events, and look at it as an opportunity to educate people to the culture and history of Black cowboys and cowgirls, particularly in the Northwest.

“We want this to be a big Juneteenth event here in Portland, celebrating liberation and really driving forward the future of Portland,” he said. “We’re really hoping that this event starts to paint the picture of what the city can be, and we think we have a special event that not only gives these athletes a great platform, but progresses the sport of rodeo in a new direction.”

Hard work aside, McClellan says the goal is to make it an annual event, and another signature Juneteenth celebration in the Portland area to complement Juneteenth Oregon.

“We’re planning on doing it for many years to come, evolving it and doing it bigger each year,” he said.

If You’re Going
The Eight Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo features two types of ticketing for its inaugural event, including a daily ticket and a VIP experience. Click here to learn more and to purchase tickets for the June 17 event. Doors open at 3 p.m. to explore the many food, beverage and retail areas, while the rodeo action begins at 7 p.m.

To Join in Support of the Inaugural Eight Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo
To learn more about how to support this year’s event and to donate to the Eight Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo and the scholarship fund, click here.

SHE FLIES Initiative Taking Flight at 2023 Pdx Red Gala — Sport Oregon Voices

Flagship Sport Oregon Foundation initiative once again the beneficiary of the Pdx Red Gala, which takes place Saturday, April 22

As a developing program first introduced roughly two years ago, the Sport Oregon Foundation SHE FLIES initiative already is making an impact. This is due, in large part, to an ever-growing network of supporting organizations that have made the impact of SHE FLIES an immediate success.

This year, Sport Oregon has teamed up once again with the Pdx Red Gala Foundation to raise money for SHE FLIES. Formed in 2015 to support local non-profit causes, the Pdx Red Gala Foundation will – for a second consecutive year – donate all proceeds from its annual gala to support the mission of SHE FLIES. The event takes place this Saturday at the iconic Bodecker Foundation in Northwest Portland, and will feature a guest DJ performance as well as a live skate exhibition by members of Skate Like a Girl.

At its core, SHE FLIES is inspired by a fundamental belief that, through sports, people learn to soar as confident individuals, team players and strong leaders. Further, its mission is to connect girls and women across Oregon to sports, and to create inclusive opportunities through its programs, partnerships and networks.

Since its launch, the SHE FLIES mission has resonated with many supporting groups. The initiative could not accomplish its current level of impact without the involvement and support of many organizations and individuals that champion SHE FLIES.

The Red Gala founder, Anthony Kuchulis, is one such supporter. Founded in 2015, Pdx Red Gala was created to provide local charities with a “stage and loudspeaker” to raise funds and increase awareness of critical issues. Vanessa Triplett Kuchulis, Anthony’s wife and Red Gala board member, agrees that SHE FLIES provides a much-needed resource for Oregon youth.

Growing up, Triplett Kuchulis loved playing soccer. The sport became her life, as she played through the varsity level and competed at international soccer tournaments. But her involvement was cut short when she moved to the UK and learned that her school didn’t offer soccer for girls because it was considered a “boys sport.”

Triplett Kuchulis describes how her emotional and physical wellbeing plummeted without access to sports. Ultimately, she says, the experience made her appreciate how being on a team can play such a critical role in fostering self-confidence, a sense of purpose and a feeling of belonging – all of which are especially significant during those formative teenage years.

“I support SHE FLIES because its mission speaks to me and my own experience,” she said. “Giving kids access and encouragement to play sports regardless of ability, gender, race, economic status and age is vital for sparking their engagement and keeping kids motivated. I admire SHE FLIES for making the concept of inclusion a cornerstone of their ideology and practice. I am convinced that children that have access to sports will continue reaping the benefits well into adulthood and beyond.”

These sentiments are echoed by Ben Parish, the president of the Red Gala and Sport Oregon board member. Parish shares that the 2023 Red Gala is shaping up to be another milestone event. In each of his roles, Parish has been a tireless advocate for SHE FLIES, and has helped build a network of support for the Sport Oregon initiative. Through his work with Sport Oregon and Pdx Red Gala, he has seen first-hand how support for SHE FLIES has taken off.

“The awareness has just been amazing,” Parish said. “The SHE FLIES message really resonates with a lot of people and organizations, and we’re pleased to see this year’s Red Gala event come full circle to help benefit this important Sport Oregon initiative.”

The funds raised through the Red Gala directly benefit SHE FLIES. A key component of SHE FLIES is its ability to award grants to deserving, like-minded organizations already doing great work in the community and whose work aligns with the SHE FLIES mission and corresponding focus areas.

Last year, SHE FLIES awarded grants to six deserving organizations through the initiative’s first Community Grant cycle, including Skate Like a Girl, whose mission is to create an inclusive community by promoting confidence, leadership and social justice through skateboarding. The grant provided to Skate Like a Girl helped the organization to supplement the salary of its program and partnership vista, Bria Rice-Gomez, to live more closely to a living wage.

“It’s just really amazing that there are grants opportunities like this,” said Rice-Gomez.

In her position, Rice-Gomez serves as a program manager for all of the organization’s in-person events. She is a main point of contact who makes sure volunteers and participants have all the tools they need and to make sure everyone has a great time and feels welcome in the spaces that Skate Like a Girl creates.

Originally from Southern California, Rice-Gomez started skateboarding around the age of 10 and became more active in the skating scene just prior to moving to Portland in 2020. She says, especially as a Black and Hispanic woman, that being exposed to opportunities that combine her passions like her role with Skate Like a Girl has proved to be extremely rewarding. 

“I didn’t know that jobs like this even existed,” Rice-Gomez said. “It’s exciting to come into this, and realize you can make a career out of sport if you get into the right groups of people and continue to show up for your community.”

She says she often kind of pinches herself to make sure this dream job is real.

“Some days, I’m like, ‘this is my job?’”

Further aligning with the SHE FLIES mission of keeping girls in the game and developing more female mentors, coaches and administrators, Rice-Gomez also is the program lead for her organization’s developing youth employment skateboarding program. She says the goal of this program is to serve Skate Like a Girl’s 13-18 year-old participants, who basically “age out” of the summer camps offered by the organization. The aim is to encourage and assist these teenage participants to stay involved as volunteers for these camps, and to establish a path for them to stay active and involved as they become older.

If you’ve never been to the Pdx Red Gala, imagine an atmosphere where black (i.e. red) tie meets skateboarding exhibition, where cocktail party meets sports mansion. It’s an event that makes supporting the community an epic party.

For her part, Rice-Gomez says the Skate Like a Girl participants are eager and excited once again to perform at this year’s Red Gala, which recently opened up a limited number of extra tickets. She says the event demonstrates and emphasizes the importance of being involved and appreciates the gala’s important fundraising function.

From the beginning, SHE FLIES’ goal was to build a community that fosters safe spaces where all girls and women can have equitable opportunities and feel empowered to use sports to take flight and realize the many benefits that participation provides. Two years later, it’s exciting to see the initiative continue to carry out that goal. 

How to Get Involved
The Pdx Red Gala Foundation has three ways to get involved with this year’s fundraising efforts; (1) a silent auction; (2) direct giving; (3) by helping to spread the word. For more information on the Pdx Red Gala, visit www.redgalapdx.com. 

For More Information on SHE FLIES
To learn more about SHE FLIES, its grants program and overall mission to connect girls and women across Oregon to sports, visit www.sheflies.org.

Second-Annual SHE FLIES Community Festival Coming May 21

Sport Oregon Foundation to award $125,000 in Community Grants at this year’s festival

The second-annual SHE FLIES Community Festival is coming soon, with this year’s event set for Sunday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Overlook Park in North Portland (1599 North Fremont Street).

Designed for the whole family, the event will feature live fitness activities, interactive exhibits and the awarding of $125,000 in grants to deserving organizations already advancing the SHE FLIES mission. The SHE FLIES Community Festival is free and open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend.  

The event invites anyone wanting to learn more about the Sport Oregon Foundation’s flagship SHE FLIES initiative or to get directly involved the chance to come out and hear from athletes, coaches and parents, meet the grant recipients and hear about the great work they do. Interactive activities will include a variety of workouts and fitness activities, aimed at educating and reinforcing the importance of a fit-for-life lifestyle.

It has been roughly two years since Sport Oregon formally introduced its new SHE FLIES initiative. The goal, from the start, was to build a community to support the organization’s efforts to foster safe community spaces where all girls and women have equitable opportunities and are greater empowered to use sports to take flight and realize the many benefits that participation provides. Pleased with the success of the first-ever SHE FLIES Community Festival in 2022, organizers are excited to continue to grow the event.  

“We have been very pleased with the initial support our SHE FLIES initiative has received in a relatively short amount of time, and we are looking forward to building on last year’s Community Festival,” said Julia Mayfield, director of foundation relations for Sport Oregon. “Our goal is to offer an event where community members and families can learn more about our mission while enjoying free fitness and educational activities, and learning how to stay active and involved.”

In 2022, SHE FLIES awarded grants to six deserving groups, including Active Children Portland, The Children’s Course, Hood River Outrigger Canoe Club, Ophelia’s Place, the Rose City Rollers and Skate Like a Girl.

Thanks to a substantial financial commitment from Alaska Airlines, Sport Oregon has increased the amount awarded through the SHE FLIES Community Grants program, from $25,000 in the program’s first year to $125,000 in 2023.

At its core, SHE FLIES is inspired by a fundamental belief that, through sports, people learn to soar as confident individuals, team players and strong leaders. Further, its mission is to connect girls and women across Oregon to sports, and to create inclusive opportunities through its programs, partnerships and networks.

The SHE FLIES initiative includes three primary areas of focus, and also aims to bring together like-minded groups already doing great work in the community. With girls being twice as likely to drop out of sports by age 14 than boys and participation rates ranking statistically lower for girls of color or from low-income households, a key focus area is that of “keeping girls in the game.” Secondly, the initiative aims to empower women coaches, with statistics showing less than 30 percent of youth coaches being women. Thirdly, SHE FLIES strives to inspire a “fitness-for-life” mentality, encouraging a life-long pursuit in sports and of staying healthy through regular exercise.

A big part of the SHE FLIES mission is focused on engaging parents, and promoting the many benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle not only for younger girls, but as a lifelong pursuit to enhance anyone’s quality of life, regardless of age.

We look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s SHE FLIES Community Festival!

Join Us
The second-annual SHE FLIES Community Festival is a free event open to anyone who would like to attend. No RSVP required. It will be held at Overlook Park in North Portland (1599 North Fremont Street) on Sunday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

For More Information on SHE FLIES
To learn more about SHE FLIES, its grants program and overall mission to connect girls and women across Oregon to sports, and to create inclusive communities through the organization’s programs, partnerships and networks, go to www.sheflies.org.

Nike Hoop Summit Returns to Moda Center Saturday — Sport Oregon Voices

Inaugural women’s game adds to the all-star basketball excitement this year in Portland

Portland’s tradition of hosting elite high school basketball events continues this weekend at Moda Center, as the 24th edition of the Nike Hoop Summit takes place on Saturday, April 8. This year’s Nike Hoop Summit will feature both a men’s game and an inaugural women’s game, with both featuring the top American high school seniors facing a World Team of top international players 19 and younger.

This year’s event will feature the first-ever women’s game at 4:30 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 7 p.m. Held annually since 1995 (with the exception of 2001-03 and 2020-21), the Nike Hoop Summit has been held in Portland since 2008.

John McCallum, founder and president of Prime Time Sports, has been involved with the Nike Hoop Summit since it came to Portland. His company promotes the all-star event in partnership with Nike and USA Basketball, and says Portland has been an ideal host city for the event each year.

“Portland has become a hotbed where there’s a fan base that understands high school talent,” McCallum. “They really have grasped on, and enjoy seeing that next generational talent.”

With players, coaches, professional team executives, media and fans traveling from all over the country and world to Portland, the Nike Hoop Summit also provides a nice boost to the area economy in the form of lodging, meals, retail and entertainment.

The event has grown into a who’s-who of the next generation of top college basketball players, and the next NBA and, now, WNBA draft picks. Historically, 253 Nike Hoop Summit alumni have been drafted into the NBA, with 14 having been selected with the No. 1 pick and 90 selected in the top 10 of the NBA Draft.

This year’s men’s event has the somewhat-rare distinction of featuring a top local player, as Jackson Shelstad from West Linn was named to the USA roster. Shelstad becomes the fourth area player to feature in the Nike Hoop Summit, joining Mike Moser (Grant), Kevin Love (Lake Oswego) and Payton Pritchard (West Linn).   

The USA men’s roster also features two players – Bronny James from Sierra Canyon (CA) and Ron Holland from Duncanville (TX) – who made the all-tournament team during the Les Schwab Invitational that took place this past December at Liberty High School in Hillsboro.   

The inaugural women’s game features a USA roster filled with international experience, including eight players who were members of the 2022 U17 National Team that won a second straight FIBA World Cup gold medal in Debrecen, Hungary. The roster includes Judea “JuJu” Watkins, who recently was named the National Gatorade Player of the Year.

The 2023 USA Women’s Nike Hoop Summit Team includes Sunaja “Nunu” Agara, Kamorea “KK” Arnold, Madison Booker, Zoe Brooks, Breya Cunningham, Aalyah Del Rosario, Jadyn Donovan, Hannah Hidalgo, Ashlynn Shade, Watkins, Jada Williams, Mikaylah Williams and Sahara Williams.

Eight countries are represented on the inaugural women’s World Select Team roster, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Croatia, France, Japan, Kenya and Sweden.

While there are other All-America games around the country, McCallum says – given its stature, history and scope – the Nike Hoop Summit annually stands out as a marquee event. He says the event regularly draws general managers and scouts from every NBA team, which raises the level of competition.

“The players are playing in front of every general manager and scout, and they’re really trying to showcase their talent,” he said.

In addition to Holland, James and Shelstad, the 2023 USA Men’s Nike Hoop Summit Team features Omaha Biliew, Blake Buchanan, Isaiah Collier, Eric Dailey Jr., Justin Edwards, Jared McCain, Sean Stewart, Dajuan Wagner Jr., Ja’Kobe Walter and Cody Williams.

The Nike Hoop Summit men’s World roster includes players from Australia, Cameroon, Canada, Finland, France, Greece, Guinea, Jamaica, Nigeria, Senegal and South Sudan.

Since its inception, the USA men hold a 16-7 series advantage over the World Team.

If You’re Going
Tickets for the 2023 Nike Hoop Summit are available here, with both the women’s game (4:30 p.m.) and the men’s game (7 p.m.) being included in the price of admission. 

Top High School Basketball Seniors Highlight WAVOR All-Star Showcase April 2 — Sport Oregon Voices

Washington and Oregon rosters set for region’s only event of its kind at Liberty High School

As the region’s only interstate high school all-star basketball showcase, the 2023 edition of WAVOR The Game will take place Sunday, April 2, at Liberty High School in Hillsboro.

Formerly known as the Northwest Shootout, WAVOR The Game annually features the top girls and boys high school basketball players from Oregon and Washington in a battle for bragging rights and state pride, something the refreshed branding of the event reflects. After all, it’s always been about Washington vs. Oregon in this all-star doubleheader.

The 27th-annual event is hosted annually in Oregon. As part of the last year’s rebrand, WAVOR has become bigger than the game, though. As was the case in 2022, net proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Maurice Lucas Foundation, whose mission is to teach life lessons through education and sport, and the Sport Oregon Foundation, which provides grants to support youth sports activities, with an emphasis on both underserved youth and increased physical activity.

WAVOR organizers, including those at Sport Oregon, are excited about this year’s games and the impact the event can have on these important initiatives.

“We’ve worked hard to really elevate the game, and we expect two competitive games with both states featuring talented rosters filled with the top graduating seniors from Oregon and Washington,” said Maika Janat-Vennemann, COO of Sport Oregon. “We are very excited to have had a full year of planning with no COVID restrictions, so we’re looking forward to a terrific event this year.”

Tipoff for the girls game is slated for 1 p.m., while the boys game is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. Admission is free, with a suggested donation to benefit the Maurice Lucas Foundation and the Sport Oregon Foundation.

The recently announced rosters from the boys and girls teams from both states are a who’s who of top graduating seniors on the basketball court.

The Oregon boys team, led by head coach Larry Doty and assistant coach Dominic Doty, includes: Kavon Bradford (Benson), Malik Brown (Tigard), Kalim Brown (Tigard), Jalen Childs (Beaverton), Jackson Cooper (Cleveland), Josiah Lake II (Tualatin), Evan Otten (Redmond), Esyah Pippa-White (Gresham), Malachi Seely-Roberts (Lincoln) and Moroni Seely-Roberts (Lincoln).

The Oregon girls team, led by head coach Larry K. Benson and Robert Wismer, includes: Sofia Bell (Jesuit), Zoe Borter (Beaverton), Donovyn Hunter (South Medford), Rhyan Mogel (Clackamas), Madison Naro (Beaverton), Olivia Poulivaati (Tualatin), Kennedie Shuler (Sam Barlow), Emma Sixta (Jesuit), Lainey Spear (Beaverton), Ella Anne Wedin (La Salle Catholic College Prep).

Between the Oregon boys and girls teams, six players thus far are set to further their playing careers at Oregon schools, including commitments to the University of Portland, Oregon, Oregon State and Oregon Tech.

In 2022, Washington completed a clean WAVOR sweep over Oregon. The Washington girls earned a 126-91 victory, while the Washington boys defeated Oregon, 127-98.

The Washington girls team, led by head coach Brady Bomber and assistant coach Rob Adams, includes: Vivienne Lee Berrett (Stanwood), Annalee Coronado (Othello), Hope Hassmann (Tahoma), Adria Lincoln (Monroe), Imbie Jones (Garfield), Lucy Lynn (Gonzaga Prep), Claire O’Connor (Lakeside), Ava Schmidt (Eastlake), Isabel Sullivan (Eastside Catholic) and Jenna Villa (Arlington). 

This year’s Washington boys team, led by head coach Tim Kelly and assistant coaches Bobby Moorehead and Chad Rasmussen, includes: Andrew Collins (Tumwater), Kelson Gebbers (Brewster), Parker Gerrits (Olympia), Brooklyn Hicks (Timberline), Kobe Parlin (Mark Morris), Tyce Paulsen (Curtis), Maverick Sanders (Mt. Spokane), Vaughn Weems (Federal Way), Mason Williams (O’Dea) and Sylas Williams (Jackson).

If You’re Going
This year’s WAVOR will take place at Liberty High School in Hillsboro on Sunday, April 2. The girls game tips off at 1 p.m. and will be followed by the boys game at 3 p.m. Admission is free, with a suggested donation to benefit the Maurice Lucas Foundation and the Sport Oregon Foundation.

To Get Involved
Sport Oregon offers a host of sponsorship opportunities to businesses and groups wanting to get involved with WAVOR. Please contact Sport Oregon at info@sportoregon.org for more information.

Sport Oregon Foundation
To learn more about the Sport Oregon Foundation and the SHE FLIES initiative, click here.

Maurice Lucas Foundation
For more information about the Maurice Lucas Foundation and the work it does to benefit kids, click here.