National Sports Tourism Award Winners

Edmond, OK — Two leaders in Edmond athletics won national sports tourism awards from Sports Destination Management, a leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market.Edmond Soccer Club was recognized for the 27th annual Beat the Heat soccer tournament and the University of Central Oklahoma was recognized for the 21st annual Endeavor Games for athletes with physical disabilities.

“The economic impact of sporting events like these in Edmond represents a valuable influx in Edmond sales and lodging tax,” said Tourism Director Jennifer Seaton. This is reflected in spectator fees, hotel room usage, restaurant business and shopping in local stores. Edmond was featured in the Small Market division in the magazine’s 2020 and 2021 Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism. This year’s winners are responsible for contributing a combined more-than-welcome boost of over $400 million to the national economy over the past two years.

James Soesbee, General Manager of Edmond Soccer Club, said, “Players ages 7-19 years old from across Oklahoma as well as Texas and Arkansas competed in the Beat the Heat tournament.” Team participation increased from 212 in 2020 to 256 in 2021. Leigha Pemberton, Assistant Director for Partnerships and Events for the University of Central Oklahoma Department of Wellness, said, “The Endeavor Games is regarded as one of the nation’s largest competitions of its kind and provides a memorable experience for participants and their families.” This year, three special events featured 11 sports and attracted 250 athletes of all ages and skill levels.

Full event details can be found in a special feature published in the November/December 2021 issue of Sports Destination Management. The entire article with full details on the winners listed below can also be found online.  Read Now: Article on 2020-2021 Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism Presented by Traveling Teams

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Edmond Soccer Club Beat the Heat Tournament

UCO Endeavor Games