HOOP DAYS in Charlotte was a tremendous success by any measure.  Three major basketball tournaments occurred over a five week time frame, utilizing many of the same personnel from many agencies for each. Events included: CIAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments, ACC Men's Basketball Championship, and the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament.  The CRSC played a big role in each LOC with varying responsibilities.  The CRSC staff coordinated volunteers, communicated plans and details to city departments, coordinated the ACC Legends Brunch, provided marketing/public relations and financial assistance to each.  Our efforts, while behind-the-scenes, paid big dividends which we hope will lead Charlotte to many other events of this type.  
 
FIGHT NIGHT FOR KIDS FOUNDATION recognized all grant recipients at the YWCA Central Carolinas on April 11, 2008.  The breakfast was attended by representatives of the 18 individual organizations selected by the Fight Night for Kids Steering Committee.  The total amount of money distributed in 2008 was $120,000, bringing the nine year total to $985,000 in funds granted to over 50 Charlotte area children's charities in that time.  The breakfast also provided a great opportunity for the recipients to learn more about Fight Night for Kids and a great chance for networking among the groups. 
 
BASS FEDERATION NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP and WAL-MART FLW TOUR/NATIONAL GUARD OPEN
 were both a success. The event had outstanding teamwork among our region's sports partners that includes Visit Charlotte, Visit Lake Norman, Mecklenburg County Park & Rec, and the Charlotte Sports Commission. FLW Outdoors has recently announced that these organizations along with the Cabarrus County CVB will host the 2009 WalMart FLW Tour-National Guard Open again next April 23-26.  Mark your calendars! 
 
2008 USA CANOE/KAYAK OLYMPIC TEAM TRIALS for Whitewater Slalom were held at the US National Whitewater Center over the weekend of April 25-27, 2008 in front of a crowd of over 15,000.  This event was accompanied by the Continental Qualifier and Canadian Team Trials, making this a truly international event.  NBC had a multi-camera video shoot during the weekend which produced a one-hour show that aired nationally on MSNBC. The CRSC provided many services in the production and promotion of the event in everything from finance, marketing and logistics!
 
CAROLINA PANTHERS ANNUAL COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF LUNCHEON held on Friday, August 22nd served over 1200 fans at the Convention Center.  A great lunch was enjoyed by all as Coach Fox, Jake Delhomme, Muhsin Muhammad, Jordan Gross, Jon Beason and Chris Harris told the crowd how the team was ready for this season.  Proceeds generated from the event were in the amount of $55,000 and went to Classroom Central.  A check presentation was made on the field before the Panthers-Bears game.  We have all enjoyed this 2008 season, so reserve a tables for 2009 and begin the support for next season! 
 
THE INAUGURAL HOG JOG 5K was held Saturday, September 13th in Uptown Charlotte. The CRSC associated the race with CCCP's Blues, Brews and BBQ.  Over 700 runners participated helping to create a solid foundation for next 2009.  The excitement surrounding this inaugural event included a post race party with music by Mick and the Ultras, a bloody mary contest, free "slider" sandwiches from Black Finn, complimentary massages by students from South Piedmont Community College and free beer from Bealer Wholesale.  The 2nd Annual Hog Jog will be September 12, 2009! Save the Date and Get Hoofin'!