State certifies sports authority districts

Des Moines Bureau

DES MOINES – Ten Iowa locations have been certified as regional sports authority districts to receive $50,000 to promote non-professional athletic activities in their areas.

Mike Tramontina, director of the state Department of Economic Development, announced Monday that Ames, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Dubuque, Fort Dodge, Mason City, Sioux City, the Quad Cities area, and the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area have been designated as certified regional sports authority districts.

"Sporting events draw in more than just participants," said Tramontina. "Coaches, judges and fans stay in hotels, dine in restaurants and shop while they are here, making a significant impact on Iowa's economy."

DED officials said tourism overall is a $6.3 billion industry in Iowa, employing nearly 65,000 people statewide and generating nearly $308 million in state taxes.

Created during the 2007 Legislative session, the Regional Sports Authority District program was designed to certify up to 10 districts for the promotion of youth sports, high school athletics, the Special Olympics or other non-professional sporting events. Each certified district will receive $50,000 -- an equal distribution of the $500,000 state appropriation.

Convention and visitors bureaus across Iowa were eligible applicants, and the proposed districts could include more than one city and more than one convention and visitors bureau, Tramontina said.

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