Events

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Host An Event

Sporting Events / Tournaments

Sporting events and tournaments appeal to many people and can be fun events to organize. You could sell tickets to an already existing sporting event: think high level or professional teams. You could organize a sporting event and raise money by having individuals or teams pay to enter. You can also raise money through drink, food, and merchandise sales and sponsorships.

What are Some Ideas for Sporting Events and Tournaments?

  • Games: football, soccer, baseball, hockey, rugby... any sport people like!
  • Tournaments: golf, tennis, hockey, bowling, fishing derbies, professional sporting events
  • They don't have to be serious sports... think Frisbee-golf or three-legged soccer

What is Great About Sports Related Events?

  • There are a lot of ways to raise money: individual/team fees to participate, ticket sales to view the event, sponsorship of teams or event, sale of food or merchandise, pay for a chance to win a prize, e.g., knock down cans with a baseball, mini-putt shot, dunk tank
  • You can scale the size of the event to fit the experience of the planning committee and the potential number/ability of the participants, costs, etc.
  • There are opportunities to get publicity from a high profile event or athlete
  • It is a fun and engaging event for participants and volunteers
  • It is relatively easy to organize if you are coordinating in conjunction with an existing game/tournament
  • You can create a sense of community for those at event, or participating together

What can be Challenging about Organizing Sports Related Events?

  • There are a lot of venue logistics: parking, washrooms, changing/showering facilities, food and drink, first aid available, equipment, referees
  • You may need to worry about insurance and security
  • Weather can severely affect your activity/event
  • Renting an appropriate venue may be expensive
  • Depending on the sport, there may be high risk for injuries for participants
  • Tax receipting issues can be complicated. Talk to your development coordinator about your tax receipting issues

How Long Does It Take to Organize a Sports Event?

  • Typically four to six months
  • One year or more if joining with a large or existing tournament or event

Planning Considerations to Make it a Great Sports Event

  • Participant waivers and insurance may be necessary
  • Have an indoor or back up plan for outdoor sporting events
  • Involving celebrities and high profile athletes can boost publicity of your event
  • Choose events that are unique and do not conflict with other or similar sporting events
  • Get prizes/awards donated
  • Make sure someone who is familiar with the sport/activity is involved to help with logistics/planning
  • Pay special attention to registration, typically you have a lot of people all at once
  • Have a lot of volunteers on hand for set up and addressing participants needs
  • Are you going to need specifically qualified staff/volunteers - e.g. referees, lifeguards, first aid personnel?