Sports commission not playing games
David Czurak

The West Michigan Sports Commission has a mission to fill hotel rooms and make a distinctive financial contribution to the local economy. So far, it has done both.

In its first three years of operations, the sports commission claims it has drawn 60,000 visitors to the area, and that they have spent more than $20 million while here. It has accomplished that feat by using a variety of sports to mark its 100-plus event load.

But none of those events were likely as diverse or significant as the one debuting this week.

The opening ceremony for the Meijer State Games of Michigan takes place Friday at 7 p.m. in Van Andel Arena. The inaugural ritual for the Olympic-style competitive event will feature a parade of the athletes, pyrotechnics, and music by “American Idol” finalist Matt Giraud of Kalamazoo.

More than 3,500 athletes are expected to compete in 15 sports that range from mountain biking to ice hockey. The three-day event is expected to generate more than $700,000 for the local economy and 1,000 room nights at area hotels.

“Since the formation of the West Michigan Sports Commission, we’ve been working to develop a signature event to serve as the beacon of our organization’s mission to attract amateur athletics to the region, positively impact our economy and enhance our quality of life,” said Tim Selgo, chairman of the event’s organizing committee.

“This event is the culmination of a lot of hard work by a lot of people, and the lasting effects on West Michigan will be felt for years to come,” he added.

When the Meijer State Games of Michigan ends Sunday, the games won’t stop. The 2010 U.S. Table Tennis Open will take place next week in DeVos Place. More than 600 athletes will compete for trophies and prize money at 90 tables inside the convention center June 30 to July 3. About 2,000 hotel room nights are expected to be booked from the event.