Add in the buzz over construction of a 4,300 seat indoor sports arena in Wenatchee and a possible indoor/outdoor facility in East Wenatchee and we're wearing shades around the office here at the Sports Council.

    This year won't be without its controversy, however.  The future of the Valley's Apple Capital Loop Trail will hinge on findings of a firm inspecting the Wenatchee Reclamation Bridge.  A determination could render the bridge unusable by pedestrians, thus crushing the South end connector of "The Loop."  Expect a decision by February or March.

    2008 marks the return of the Squilchucker Mountain Bike Race.  On hiatus since 2003, the Squilchucker has been resurrected by Jason Jablonski and others and will be held June 14th at Squilchuck State Park.

    It's an election year in Olympia and in Washington , D.C., and the Sports Council will be working closely with Washington Association of Sports Councils to lobby on behalf of funding legislation for sports and recreation facilities throughout the Wenatchee Valley.  We'll also be guiding efforts locally to expand facilities and encourage the utilization of public/private partnerships to do so.

    Finally, with all things sports happening in the Wenatchee Valley, the Sports Council will be tracking it all to quantify what economic benefits result.  Stay tuned and share this Newsletter to spread the word of what's happening in the Wenatchee Valley.