Sports Commission has big plans for new year

A New Year’s resolution is a tradition in which a person makes a promise to do an act of self-improvement or do something positive for their community.

Some of the more popular resolutions that are on many of our annual lists include:

• Improve physical and mental well-being,

• Improve career, education and finances,

• Improve self or take a trip,

• Volunteer to help others,

• Get along better with people and make new friends,

• Spend quality time with family members,

• Settle down- get engaged/get married, have children,

• Pray more, be closer to God, be more spiritual,

• Be more involved in sports or different activities.

As a part of the team of the Shreveport- Bossier Sports Commission, the sporting events we bring into our community in 2016 will not only improve our area’s economy but also the quality of life for our residents. With the passing of the Hotel/Motel Occupancy Proposition on Nov. 21, it was a huge vote of confidence from our community that what the Sports Commission has accomplished over the last five years will only be strengthened by these additional revenues in its pursuit of sporting events that will generate positive economic growth for our communities.

But what is great about these sporting events we bring into the area with our local partners is that each one of you can be involved.

We utilized more than 850 volunteers to assist with 36 sporting events we hosted in the Shreveport-Bossier City area during 2015. Volunteering at one of the sporting events this year would help you knock out several of your goals for 2016. Go to the website www.shreveportbossiersports. com to be added to our email list for volunteer opportunities.

We have 37 sporting events already on the books for 2016, and something new for the Sports Commission to be a part of is rugby. Rugby is one of those sports that has been around the Shreveport-Bossier community for a very long time, and teams have consisted of several local businessmen led by the late Gary Kennedy.

Residents can see some great college rugby matches Jan. 23 at Lee Hedges Stadium. Games start at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Alabama will take on LSU, Louisiana Tech University plays LSU’s second team, and catch the inaugural Shreveport Area Rugby Club take on a formidable South Louisiana opponent. Pricing for all three games is $10 for adults and $5 for students.

For events the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission is involved with, go to www.shreveportbossiersports.com.

Upcoming events:

• Gary Kennedy Memorial Rugby Tournament Jan. 23 at Lee Hedges Stadium

• NHRA South Central Awards Banquet Jan. 23 at Sam’s Town Casino and Resort

• ALAS N. Regional Archery Tournament Feb. 5-6 at the Shreveport Convention Center

• LHSAA State Wrestling Tournament Feb. 12-13 at the CenturyLink Center

• Red River Open Wrestling Tournament Feb. 26-27 at the Shreveport Convention Center

Kelly Wells is the vice president of sports and tourism for the Shreveport- Bossier Sports Commission. The Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission is a division of the Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau in partnership with the city of Shreveport, Caddo Parish Commission, Bossier Parish Police Jury and the city of Bossier. Visit our website: www. shreveportbossiersports.com or email Kelly Wells at kwells@sbctb.org.