SportsEvents Magazine

AUG 2014

SportsEvents is edited for those who plan tournaments or other sports events.

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August 2014 19 ▼ NATURAL Venues The 2,000 bicycle riders who participate in the annual Tour de Scottsdale might be competing for the best finish time, but they are also helping protect Arizona's McDowell Sonoran Preserve, one of the largest urban land preserves in the world, with 30,200 acres of sustainable desert habitat. Beatrice Shelton, communications coordinator for the DC Ranch Community Council, which organizes the event, said the Tour de Scottsdale was started in 2003 in an effort to raise funds for the preserve. "Through annual proceeds each year, we are able to see our efforts truly benefit the beautiful conservancy within Scottsdale. Our number one goal is to maintain the beautiful natu- ral landscape of the Sonoran desert." While most of the participants come from the western United States, the reach of the Tour de Scottsdale extends further each year, she said. "We believe that participants travel to take part in this unique event based on the tour's philanthropic efforts, the beautiful desert weather Scottsdale provides in October, plus the additional amenities of Southwest living, such as golf, shopping, arts and culture, and an expanding culinary scene." Thanks to Scottsdale's mild fall weather, Shelton said she does not face the traditional challenges of inclement weather. However, with event courses that are 30 and 70 miles in length, the race takes cyclists through different municipalities, requiring some extra steps in planning. Among the organizations that assist with the event, Shelton cited the Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) as an important supporter of the tour's efforts. "The CVB assists with some marketing where appropriate and needed, garnering traffic to the event, getting the residents of the community involved and supportive. Also, the CVB helps support the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and Preserve." ■ Pedaling For Preservation Located near the center of the United States, Lake of the Ozarks offers a "an amazing setting" for the annual Shoot-Out, a powerboat race that draws nearly 100,000 people to the town of Osage Beach, Mo., each year, according to event organizer Ron Dugan. "Lake of the Ozarks is a pretty unique lake; it is privately owned and has homes along it, yet itʼs still gorgeous, with lots of trees sur- rounding it," he said. "Itʼs also located in the middle of America, mak- ing it easy to reach. One recent year, when we gathered information about participants, we found out there were people here from 29 states and 13 countries." The best thing about the event, said Dugan, is that it raises funds for area rescue teams and other local charities. But that does- nʼt mean the competitors donʼt take it seriously. "Itʼs the largest unsanc- tioned boat race in the United States and has been voted as the number one boat race/shootout in the country by the Powerboat Magazine readers for the last two years. It has also been listed by Powerboat Magazine as one of the eight "must-see" boating events. Official speeds at the Captain Ronʼs course have hit as high as 208 mph. New radar guns in 2012 proved to be extremely accurate for the racers." Alongside approximately 100 powerboats that race in heats to become the "Top Gun," the event includes a street party, a golf tournament, a poker run and other activities to entertain the fami- lies and friends of the racing teams, as well as the thousands of fans that turn out along the shoreline. "Itʼs a huge event, held for nine days each August, which brings lots of people to the area," Dugan said. "Including the people rac- ing the boats, the volunteers and spectators, there are close to 100,000 participants for the entire event. The crowds on the final weekend range from 50,000 to 60,000 per day." Fortunately, he added, the area has an ample supply of hotels, restaurants, condos and resorts, and other attractions. "We are full during the weekend of the race, but this area is well set up for such a large event." ■ Lake of the Ozarks, Mo.: Powerboat Races Draw Thousands To The Lake Natural Venue KNOW HOW: Use competitive events at natural venues to draw atten- tion to the need to protect and preserve natural resources and native habitat. —Beatrice Shelton, Tour de Scottsdale Natural Venue KNOW HOW: To attract families and fans, develop fun activities alongside the competitive event. A street party, golf tournament or poker run adds to the fun of the Lake of the Ozarks Shoot-Out. —Ron Dugan, Lake of the Ozarks Shoot-Out DC Ranch NOTABLE Natural Venue More Info: www.funlake.com

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