Many individuals collaborate to promote Lawrence as a sports destination, and the sports community benefits from the dedication of these enthusiastic allies. The Lawrence Sports Corporation, a nonprofit subsidiary of the Lawrence Convention and Visitors Bureau, has recently landed some prominent national events that will complement the city’s solid foundation of core sports activities.

Lawrence succeeds as a sports city because of its community spirit, as seen in the willingness of public officials to work with local organizing committees to offer the best possible venues, and in the patience of individuals or businesses to focus not on temporary inconvenience but on the larger community benefits.

Specifically, USA Cycling has bestowed upon Lawrence the opportunity to be host to the Collegiate National Road Championships for multiple years. When the local organizing committee started to identify possible race routes, we decided to map the best courses that Lawrence and the surrounding area had to offer: downtown Lawrence, Lake Perry and Kansas Highway 10 from Sixth to Iowa streets. We wanted to create a first-class event that would draw national attention in collegiate cycling. I know I speak for the rest of my committee members in thanking City Manager Mike Wildgen and his staff, the Lawrence City Commission, County Administrator Craig Weinaug and his staff, the Douglas County Commission, Downtown Lawrence Inc., Jefferson County officials and the Kansas Department of Transportation for their votes of confidence in granting us permission to use the three race venues. Because of the support of elected and public officials, we have accomplished our goal.

Our success in bringing large sporting events to the city also depends on the willingness of staff members from Kansas University, other KU departments, and Lawrence Parks and Recreation to allow the use of their facilities. These continued partnerships will allow Lawrence to market itself as one of the premier destinations in the Midwest.

Of course, Lawrence’s true appeal as a sports destination derives from its rich and varied cultural, historic, artistic and entertainment offerings. When athletes are not competing, they and their families can discover our museums, galleries, performance spaces and restaurants. In Lawrence, you can improve your game – and explore challenges in many other arenas.