The NSC visits Ottawa for the 2011 CSTA Conference 

The Niagara Sport Commission (NSC) is very proud to announce its involvement in this year's Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance (CSTA) Conference. From April 27-29, the NSC's  Director, Scott McRoberts, was part of a team of community partners who represented the Niagara Region at the conference. This group, comprised of St. Catharines Tourism, Brock University, Niagara Falls Tourism and Venture Niagara all made the commute to the Nation's capital. 

The CSTA conference had over 375 delegates attend, representing various national and provincial sport organizations. The NSC, along with its partners, was granted the opportunity to interact with members of the various organizations in order to build new relationships, and ultimately, to attract more high-profile sporting events to the Region as well as to drive sport tourism. Through these newly formed relationships, the NSC is confident that it will only enhance the profile of events that it brings to the Region year-after-year.  

Scott McRoberts with Mayor Jim Watson of Ottawa, Mayor Clifford Lee of Charlottetown, P.E.I., & Mayor Peter Milobar of Kamloops, B.C.

As a part of the NSC's involvement at the conference, the NSC sponsored the Mayor's panel. The Mayors on the panel were speaking of the importance of sport tourism as well as the strategies and funding that they have implemented in their municipalities to support this economic driver. Thank you again to all that made this sponsorship possible; Brock University, Heart of Niagara Hotels, St. Catharines Tourism, Niagara Falls Tourism and the City of Welland.

The NSC Congratulates Bill Schenck

Congratulations to Bill Schenck, a 2011 nominee for the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance (CSTA) Community Service Award. The event took place on April 30^th in Ottawa. 

Schenck has served as a volunteer Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta (RCHR) in St. Catharines for over ten years.  He takes the lead on this six day event that includes 3,000 athletes and almost 500 volunteers. During his tenure with the regatta he has always given his full commitment and it has paid off with the event's steady growth. Congratulations Bill!

This year's Regatta will be held August 2^nd-7^th in St. Catharines. For more information, visit henleyregatta.ca.

Congratulations Port Colborne Sailors, Ontario Minor Hockey Association Champs!

The NSC would like to congratulate the Port Colborne Scotia Bank Bantam Sailors rep team, this year's "B" Division OMHA Champs. The Sailors are the first Port Colborne team to win an OMHA Championship since 1957.  Over 200 people from the Port Colborne community made the trip to Strathroy to support the Sailors in the finals.

This year's Sailors were also the first Port Colborne team ever to qualify for the Silver Stick Tournament, where they advanced to the quarter finals.  This international event hosts over thousands of coaches and players each year.  Congratulations Sailors!

The Niagara Sport Commission, in partnership with Brock University, Niagara College and the Niagara Falls Red Raiders, would like to welcome Ontario Basketball to the Niagara Region this month. From May 27-29, the Region will play host to the 2011 Under 17 Juvenile Boys Ontario Cup. These Championships will see 65 teams and approximately 950 participants visit Niagara for the weekend.

After successfully hosting the April Under 11 Championships, which had approximately a $420,000 impact on the Region, the Niagara Sport Commission is anxious to see the intense level of competition that is expected between the best young players in the province. Events like these are only a success because of the dedication of volunteers and members of the community. The Sport Commission is anticipating time commitments from 35 volunteers and five community sport organizations to make these Championships the best Ontario has experienced. We would like to thank everyone involved, and we look forward to getting these Championships underway

International Soccer in St. Catharines

The St. Catharines Roma Soccer Club will collaborate with the AC Milan Cleveland Soccer Club to host the first annual St. Catharines Roma Elite International Soccer Tournament on July 8-10, 2011. Tournament Director and Founder Clayton Rosario's goal is to make this a Premier International Tournament as well as an opportunity for pro clubs to scout for talented players. 

Approximately 32 boys teams from Canada and the US are expected to participate, involving over 500 athletes from 11 to 14, and drawing over 1000 fans to Niagara in support of these players. Next year the tournament will open up for girls teams as well.  The preliminary rounds of the tournament are set at the world-class facilities of Ridley College; the semi-final and final rounds are to be played at Club Roma Men's Stadium. 

The following week (July 11-15, 2011) the club will host an International French Camp for any player wishing to stay and experience the excellent coaching of the French team. Contact Clayton Rosario for Tournament or French Camp details.