Ken Holland to Speak at WMSC Luncheon
Detroit Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland will be the featured speaker at the 3rd Annual West Michigan Sports Commission Luncheon to be held on Wednesday, Sept. 23. “We are absolutely thrilled that Ken has agreed to join us in September,” said West Michigan Sports Commission Executive Director Mike Guswiler. “His commitment demonstrates the very strong relationship the Red Wings enjoy with their AHL affiliate, our own Grand Rapids Griffins.”

As a Griffins season ticket holder, you are cordially invited to attend the luncheon to hear from one of the most successful executives in sports - at an exclusive discount! Tickets for Griffins season ticket holders are only $62.50 apiece, a savings of $12.50 off the individual ticket rate! For more information or to reserve your tickets, please contact Natalie Rose at the WMSC at 616-233-3560 or nrose@westmisports.com by Sept. 1, and refer to code GRG-STH.

WMSC Mission Statement
The mission of the West Michigan Sports Commission is to promote Michigan’s West Coast as the premier venue for hosting a diverse level of youth and amateur sporting events, enhancing the economy and the quality of life in the region.

State Games of Michigan to be Held June 25-27, 2010
The West Michigan Sports Commission has launched a major three-day statewide multi-sport festival for athletes of all ages. The State Games of Michigan will provide opportunity for healthy competition among athletes from throughout the state, enhancing West Michigan’s reputation as a premier venue for amateur sporting events, and make a significant positive impact on the economy and quality of life of the region. Registration for the inaugural State Games of Michigan will open in early 2010.

Volunteer for the WMSC
Join the team! Register to become a WMSC volunteer – it’s a great way to have fun, meet fellow fans and enjoy a wide range of exciting athletic events. And, as a member of the WSMC volunteer corps, you’ll be helping us enhance our region’s quality of life through sports! Submit your Volunteer Application online, or for more information on volunteer opportunities, call 616-233-3560 or email info@westmisports.com.


Donate to the WMSC
Joining the West Michigan Sports Commission as a "Team Player" not only supports our efforts to market to and bring in more youth/amateur sporting events, it also generates community pride through sports. Get involved for only $50/year for an individual or $250/year for an organization. See our website for a list of the many benefits we offer our Team Players. For more information on opportunities to assist the WMSC, call 616-233-3560 or email info@westmisports.com.

WMSC Success Stories

2009 ACHA Div II National Championship
• March 17-21, 2009 - Preliminary and semifinal rounds were held at Georgetown Ice Arena. The skills competition and championship were held at Van Andel Arena. The five-day tournament drew in teams from across the nation, including Washington, Colorado, New York, Philadelphia and Florida.
• Attendance 1,000, Room Nights 500

Special Olympics of MI Basketball Tournament
• At the end of March 2009, the Special Olympics of Michigan Basketball Finals & Skills Competition returned to Grandville for a multiple-day event that included an opening ceremony and a dunk showcase featuring local athletes and concluded with a closing ceremony and athlete dance. Tournament organizers estimated that 800+ athletes from across Michigan competed in the tournament.
• Attendance 1,500, Room Nights 800

2009 US Figure Skating Adult National Championships
• April 21-25, 2009 - Competition was held at Patterson Ice Center in Grand Rapids. The event hosted 600+ adult skaters from across the country. Competitors were divided into five age categories (21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60 and 61+) and two tracks (masters and adult). Events were held in singles, pairs, ice dancing and interpretive.
• Attendance 1,000, Room Nights 1,500

Midwest Rugby Football Regional Championships
• April 25 & 26, 2009 at Douglas Walker Park in Byron Center. The Grand Rapids Gazelles Rugby Club hosted the Midwest Rugby Football Union - 2009 Midwest Collegiate / U23 All-Star & Club Regional Championships. Teams in four separate divisions played throughout the weekend with a champion crowned from each division.
• Attendance 1,200, Room Nights 500

Michigan Juniors Volleyball Association State Championship
• The MJVBA State Championship is held in Grand Rapids at various sites around the city including area public schools. This State Championship utilizes 85-100 different volleyball courts on the last weekend of May. Forty of these courts will be placed at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids. The tournament will bring in approximately 5,000 athletes, coaches, and spectators representing over 550 teams throughout Michigan.
• Attendance 5,000, Room Nights 2,500