Monday, October 17, 2011 --- The Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation (WSDC) has reached an agreement with the Wausau/Central Wisconsin Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) that will allow its signature event, the Badger State Games, to continue in 2012 and beyond.
In August, WSDC made the announcement that it would no longer manage several events including the Badger State Games, Paddle and Portage, and the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame. WSDC indicated at that time that efforts were underway to sell or transfer ownership of these events so they could be continued into the future.
The Sports Authority, a function of the Wausau/Central Wisconsin Convention & Visitors Bureau, was created in July of 2010 to bring new major sports tournaments to the Wausau area. Continuing the individual events of the Badger State Winter Games under a new name or as the Badger State Games was a priority for the organization.
The CVB is committed to continuing this iconic Wisconsin sports series and growing participation by focusing on providing an exceptional athlete experience. The purchase of the Badger State Games by the Wausau/Central Wisconsin Convention & Visitors Bureau CVB includes both the Winter and Summer games. Darien Schaefer, Executive Director for the CVB, said, “This wouldn’t be possible without the funding support of the Sports Authority by the communities of Mosinee, Rib Mountain, Rothschild, Schofield, Wausau, and Weston.”
In lieu of a cash payment, WSDC has asked that the $15,000 purchase price be reinvested into athlete scholarships for the Winter Games at $5,000 a year for the next three years. In addition, the Wisconsin Sports Foundation will commit an additional $15,000 for athlete scholarships for the Summer Games. Dan Doyle, WSDC President and CEO, said, “Our goal is to see that the Badger State Games continue and we are demonstrating that commitment by investing in its future.”
Ministry Health Care, a long time sponsor of the Badger State Winter Games, has stepped forward with WSDC to sponsor the 2012 Winter Games athlete scholarships. Tim Huffcutt, Director of Marketing and Brand Management for Ministry Health Care, said, “The Badger State Winter Games has always been a marquee event for the Wausau area and these scholarships help athletes from all over the state compete in their favorite winter sport.”
“Sponsorship support is important for any major sports event and there are many ways for local and statewide businesses and organizations to help,” said Schaefer. “We hope that more groups and businesses follow Ministry Health Care’s lead and get involved through sponsorships, in-kind services, and volunteers.”
The following events are scheduled to be held February 3-5, 2012:
In 2011, nineteen events were held as part of the Badger State Winter Games. Additional events are under consideration and will be added based on athlete participation and the ability to secure facility and host organization commitments. Additional events being considered include Snowboarding, Free Style Skiing, Snowshoe Racing, 5K Trail Run, Ski Jumping, Men’s Hockey, Speedskating, and Indoor Soccer.
