San Antonio Sports President/CEO Russ Bookbinder Seeks Community Participation

By Russ Bookbinder, President & CEO

SASLogoCan you imagine the Alamodome with two swimming pools inside?  And having the eyes of the nation upon our city as Olympic champions Brendan Hansen, Missy Franklin, Ryan Lochte, and our own Jimmy Fiegen compete for a spot on Team USA?  And being able to see the action LIVE and in-person?  San Antonio is one of six cities bidding to host the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials for Swimming.  It’s just one of the many events San Antonio Sports bids on and hosts each year that have a multi-million dollar economic impact on our city.

SAS Russ photoAs President/CEO of San Antonio Sports, I’m looking forward to leading our efforts to attract marquee amateur athletic events to San Antonio. This year we are hosting 21 events, including the NCAA 2013 Women’s Elite Eight, NCAA National Collegiate Fencing Championships, and the USA Track & Field Jr. Olympic Cross Country Championships.  We also host our very own event that you and your employees won’t want to miss: San Antonio Sports Corporate Cup, a daylong friendly competition that encourages camaraderie, wellness, charitable giving and athleticism.

While events are the bread and butter of our organization, it is serving the kids of our community that personally provides me with the greatest motivation. Our afterschool program currently serves 500 children in San Antonio and Harlandale ISD’s and it’s our goal to grow this program significantly in the next three years. Students in grades 3-5 receive UIL sports training, character education and nutrition information. Every championship event we host has a youth component that exposes kids to the sport and offers special clinics. The San Antonio Sports Valero Go!Kids Challenge is celebrating its 10th anniversary this spring. If you have or know an elementary school-aged child, join them in being active 60 minutes a day, six days a week and encourage them to drink more water.

San Antonio Sports is one of the premier sports commissions in the country and we will continue to operate at the highest level. I invite you to be a part of our team – as a volunteer, a member, a sponsor or participant. As we bid on and host major events, please consider showing your support as a member or corporate sponsor or join our volunteer corps. To learn more about us, please visit SanAntonioSports.org.