The Regional Sports Authority District (RSAD) program encourages tourism in Iowa by funding projects that relate to the active promotion of non-professional sporting events in the state. Awards this year increased to $70,00, up from $50,000 previously, and require a 50 percent cash match.

“Last year Fort Dodge’s RSAD award helped fund 11 non-professional sporting events,” said Kerrie Kuiper, executive director of Visit Fort Dodge. “The grant itself provided $50,000 and the events supported a cash match of over $96,000.

“This year the grant includes 19 individual events which will bring a lot of support for local businesses and increases statewide awareness of our area, leading to more growth and tourism opportunities.,” she added.

RSAD applicants must be an Iowa convention and visitors bureau and a seven member board, including at least three city council members, must govern the RSAD. Fort Dodge City Council members David Flattery, Quennel McCaleb and Lydia Schuur are on the local board. The other members are Kuiper; Kevin Twait, athletic director at Iowa Central Community College; City Manager David Fierke, and Hannah Angstrom, recreation superintendent in the Fort Dodge Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department.

“Visit Fort Dodge is able to receive this grant because of the development of new amateur sporting events in the community by internal and external partners,” Kuiper said. “These events provide economic and entertainment value, but they also strengthen the community’s and venues’ reputations.”

The $70,000 grant will be used by local amateur sporting events for venue rentals, equipent rentals, official or referee expenses and other services required to host the event.