West Michigan Sports Commission

Congratulations Mike Guswiler on this well deserved award! We’re proud to have you as our team captain! Thanks to Sports Events & Tourism Association for honoring him.

Ever wonder how all of those youth and amateur sporting events end up in West Michigan? Chances are, the West Michigan Sports Commission was behind it as the nonprofit organization that bids on, attracts and hosts sporting events. And in 2024 alone, we hosted 112 events that generated a record $90.8 million in estimated economic impact for the region. Learn more about how we work and one of our signature events, the Meijer State Games of Michigan , as told through a family of two karate athletes in this story by Sam Landstra of FOX 17 : WXMI TV. https://lnkd.in/gbG-KyYx #WMSC #westmichigansports #stategames #meijerstategames #stategamesofmichigan #fox17

Today, we celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day, co-founded by the Women's Sports Foundation — a day to honor the strength, resilience, and achievements of women in sports. ???? From leadership and teamwork to confidence and empowerment, sports shape lives in powerful ways. We asked women in West Michigan to share what sports mean to them, and here's what they had to say! Let’s continue breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of female athletes! Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital Aquinas College - Grand Rapids YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids #NGWSD2025 #NGWSD #LeadHerForward #WomenInSports #WestMichiganSports

ICYMI: Youth and amateur sports had a banner year in 2024, generating $90.8 million in estimated economic impact for West Michigan. 2025 should prove to be another exciting year, with expansion of the Meijer Sports Complex, pitching future events to be held at the new Amway Stadium, and hosting a variety of national tournaments including the 2025 World Ice Fishing Championships in February and The Hartford Nationals by Move United in July. See more in MLive.com. FULL ARTICLE: https://lnkd.in/ds_YkPBK #sportstourism #experiencegrandrapids ??Pickleball photo - Anthony Netti; others by West Michigan Sports Commission and Meijer State Games of Michigan

Youth and amateur sporting events infused a record $????.?? ?????????????? ???????? ???????? ????????????????’?? ?????????????? ???? ???????? through 112 events that attracted 282,170 athletes/visitors while filling 49,975 hotel room nights. Last year was the ?????????????? ???? ?????? ????????’???????-???????? ?????????????? ?????? ?????????????? ????????????????, increasing 3.3 percent from 2023 and 65 percent from 2019. It also was the best year yet for our Meijer Sports Complex, generating $9.3 million in estimated economic impact – up 7.4 percent year-over-year and 53 percent from 2019. Thanks to our friends at SportsTravel Magazine for sharing this good news!

We're excited to introduce our new campaign with FaceFunding to show community support for 2025 The Hartford Nationals conducted by Move United. The largest and longest-standing national championship for adaptive athletes will be co-hosted by Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports and the West Michigan Sports Commission this July in Grand Rapids! Give $10 today to show your face in support of making sports accessible for all. https://lnkd.in/eQ_mUmv8

WMSC President Mike Guswiler spoke last week to members of the WMPRSA - West Michigan Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America on the panel, "PR and Sports - A Winning Combination" about the power and impact of sports tourism in West Michigan. Mike shared the stage with Randy Cleves and Alex Eisen with the Grand Rapids Griffins and Grand Rapids Rise, Brittney DeLand with the Grand Rapids Gold, and Jim Jarecki with the West Michigan Whitecaps. Thanks for the opportunity to share why sports tourism matters to West Michigan's economy! #WMPRSA #PRSA #sportstourism #experienceGR

?? Join Us at The Women's Sports & Health Expo! ?? We’re thrilled to invite you to be part of the Women's Sports & Health Expo, happening at DeVos Place on February 22, 2025! Our mission is simple but powerful: to celebrate, educate, and inspire women and girls in sports and wellness. With your sponsorship, you’ll make a meaningful impact on our Expo and our community. ? November Sponsorship Special ? For this month only, sign up for our Gold, Silver, or Bronze sponsorship packages, and 25% of every sponsorship dollar will go directly to Victory Lap, the West Michigan Sports Commission's Community Fund! Together, we can promote wellness, empowerment, and support youth sports programs across West Michigan. A big thank you to Katy Tigchelaar and her team's support of this event! Check out the details in the attached flyer, visit our website, or contact Amy Muller to get started! Learn more about Victory Lap and the great work they do for our community, and let’s team up to create a healthier, more active community! ?? ?? Women's Sports & Health Expo: https://www.wshexpo.com/ ?? Victory Lap: https://lnkd.in/gk_kH6kb

?? The Beer City Open, hosted by the Grand Rapids Pickleball Club, was recognized by Sports Destination Management as a Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism. The event resulted in $2.4 million in economic impact and had 1,000 participants (up from 400 participants in 2018). In 2024, Major League Pickleball hosted its Mid-Season Championship during the Beer City Open. https://lnkd.in/gT_84HPf

We appreciate Crain's Grand Rapids Business' recognition of WMSC President Mike Guswiler as one of the 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan for 2024! He has worked tirelessly for the past 30 years in hospitality and tourism with private and nonprofit organizations, including the West Michigan Sports Commission since its inception, driving economic impact through tourism. Congratulations to Mike and all of the other 200 Influential Leaders! #Crains200mostinfluentialleaders #Crains200 #crainsgrbusiness #experiencegrandrapids