Sport Host Program

The vision of SportHost Victoria is to increase the quality and quantity of sports events and activities hosted in Victoria. Sports events have become a major source of increased tourism activity and these events contribute significantly to economic development, create media attention and increase the quality of life not only for youth, but for all citizens of the community.

Greater Victoria’s hosting of the 1994 Commonwealth Games was a significant achievement and a major milestone for the community, leaving a legacy of facilities, volunteers and a pride which is still evident today. Victoria, in fact, helped set the standard for international, multi-sport event organizers.

On March 2, 1998, representatives of interested organizations met and identified the need and support for the formation of a Sport Tourism Commission for Greater Victoria. During the meeting, it was generally agreed that a Commission would provide a forum to co-ordinate and facilitate activities for the sports community, facility managers and the tourism industry, with a mission to attract sport-related events, meetings and conventions to Greater Victoria.

The University of Victoria’s School of Business undertook an economic feasibility study which was completed under the direction of Dr. Eric Morse. The results of the study were shared with community leaders who immediately identified an opportunity to gain significant support funding and began approaching potential partners for budget commitments.

In late 1999, participating organizations established the Partnership Committee to steer the development and first year operations of the Sport Tourism initiative. The committee consists of representatives from PacificSport National Sport Centre—Greater Victoria, Tourism Victoria, City of Victoria, University of Victoria, Royal Roads University, the provincial and federal government (HRDC Canada) and representatives from the private sector.

For more information or to participate in the SportHost Program, contact:

Executive Director, SportHost Victoria:
Hugh MacDonald
100-4636 Elk Lake Drive
Victoria, BC  V8Z 5M1
Tel: (250) 744-5528
Fax: (250) 744-3542
hmacdonald@pacificsport.com