Oregon Sports Authority to Launch Central Oregon Chapter

The Oregon Sports Authority, a non-profit organization that has served as the state’s sports economic development arm for more than a decade, will officially unveil its new Central Oregon chapter as part of a luncheon at the Riverhouse Convention Center on Tuesday, October 30.

“We are thrilled to be launching our first chapter in Central Oregon,” said Drew Mahalic, CEO of the Oregon Sports Authority.  “We look forward to working with Central Oregon leaders to bring additional sports events and activities to the region.”

During the luncheon from Noon – 1:15 p.m., individuals from the Central Oregon sports, recreation, tourism and business communities will have a chance to learn more about the Oregon Sports Authority and its role in expanding the impact of sports in the region.  The event will also include a major announcement in support of Central Oregon high school sports.

“This will be a monumental day, not just for the Oregon Sports Authority, but also for Central Oregon,” said Charles Chackel, CEO of Combined Communications, Inc. and chair of the Oregon Sports Authority Central Oregon Chapter.

As part of its expansion to the region, the Oregon Sports Authority is bringing two premier events to Central Oregon in 2008: the USA Triathlon Winter Triathlon National Championships at Mt. Bachelor and the ABA BMX Great Northwest Nationals at the Hooker Creek Event Center in Redmond.  Both events are expected to bring significant economic impact to the region.

The mission of the Oregon Sports Authority is to position the state of Oregon as the preferred location for select amateur and professional sports events, franchises and related activities in order to enhance the quality of life of Oregonians and to stimulate the state’s economy.  The Oregon Sports Authority’s major achievements include landing the 2009 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Women’s World Cup Soccer and AST Dew Tour.