The Economy of Sports in Chatham-Kent

Sports will likely never become the leading source of jobs locally, but that doesn’t mean we should overlook sports as an asset to our local economy in Chatham-Kent.

Sports provide unique opportunities for our local economy; one through the exposure they can give to our community beyond our boundaries, and also by bringing visitors to Chatham-Kent. While things like technology, and agriculture will inevitably grab the noteriety here in Chatham-Kent as the gateway’s to our economic re-birth, I think  it’s important to recognize what sports can give us, and to encourage further support for our athletes and organizations.

Many of you may disagree with this, but I think some recent examples will help.

As I pulled into the parking lot of CKSS early in August, I won’t say I was shocked, but rather I was suprised to see so many license plates from Ohio, Michigan, New York and elsewhere. They travelled all the way to Chatham-Kent for a rugby game, the TekSavvy Kent Cup. After the game, news channels across Southwestern Ontario and the world carried the scores of the two international rugby games including in England and South Africa, all with the name Chatham-Kent positively attached.

So what did we get? We had people travelling to, dining, shopping, and staying in Chatham-Kent. They saw a large, passionate crowd of people at a beautiful multi-million dollar facility. They spent money here, and hopefully left with fond memories of the game, and therefore, of our community.

How about a bigger example? TSN came to Wallaceburg this summer. They showcased our people, our waterways, and our sports. They came for lacrosse and the Kraft Celebration Tour, but left boasting about how welcoming and amazing our community is. That is priceless advertising for our community, creating bonds beyond our boundaries. Even better, they brought a check for $25,000 which will go directly into our local economy by refurbishing an outdoor sporting facility. Don’t believe me? Read TSN anchor Darren Dutchyshen’s article about Wallaceburg.

Every summer and winter, our communities open their doors for team’s from across the globe for soccer, baseball, hockey, ringette, and high school tournaments. What other avenue guarantees to fill our hotels, book tables in our restaurants, and allow “sports tourists” to see every corner of Chatham-Kent? These events bring money into our towns and support our economy.

Unfortunately from time to time, an event too large for our means comes in as was the case when the Chatham-Kent Wildcats were forced to host provincials in London because of insufficient accomodations, but you get the point.

Sports allow local stores to stay open, from golf equipment, to skate sharpening, and athletic apparel, they give people jobs working at arena’s and maintaining parks, and they bring people from other communities into our town’s to dine, shop, stay, and simply see what we have to offer.

I’m not saying that our future should revolve around developing major sporting events, but any time we can bring something like the TekSavvy Kent Cup, TSN, the opcoming National Ringette League game, or any other sporting event like sportfishing tournaments, golf tours, motorcross, or even minor tournaments, we’re bringing dollars into Chatham-Kent, building our reputation to a broader market, and keeping people in their jobs.

We’ve even had major sports related industries start or exist here, such as the founders of Pointstreak (one of Canada’s strongest technology companies), or the old H&B in Wallaceburg that made Louisville baseball bats and hockey sticks. Whether it be manufacturing, web applications and technology, luring large international events, or simply supporting organizations looking to host local tournaments, sports have the opportunity to build our economy in Chatham-Kent.

Think about it. Sports can serve a larger purpose than fitness and fun.

Let the games begin.