New Regional Sport Tourism Initiative Launched 

The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) is pleased to announce the launch of a new sport tourism initiative to promote the region as a sports destination.

“This project consists of many elements and will provide support to sports organizations and facilities in their bids to host regional, provincial and national events,” explains Board Chair Jon Lefebure. “The CVRD will continue to pursue and present multi-sport, multi-venue events, such as the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (May 1-6, 2017) and the BC Summer Games (July 19-22, 2018).”

A new website www.cvrd.bc.ca/sportstourism markets the region’s attributes, including more than 50 sport venues and 100 organizations, to local stakeholders, events rights holders who may be scouting for a location, and teams and spectators coming to the region to participate in an event. It features several searchable databases and links to useful resources, community attractions, amenities and services.

Organizers can promote their sport by submitting information, via a simple online form, which will be included in the regional sports events calendar. Sports enthusiasts can subscribe to the events calendar and receive notifications of upcoming events.

A hosting booklet will further promote the Cowichan Region as a sports destination and direct people to the website. It will be available to organizers to include in bid packages.

Sport event organizers will have access to a CVRD funded inventory of hosting equipment to help stage sports functions and events. The equipment is available at little or no cost through the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena and the Island Savings Centre.

“We are thrilled to provide this new service to support our dedicated, hardworking sports community,” says Lefebure. “Our thanks to everyone who contributed to the initiative. We welcome feedback on the various aspects of the program.”