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To support the launch of the 2009 WBC in Prince George, the World Baseball Challenge Host Society received $20,000 from the Hosting BC grant program, which is funded by the Province of B.C. and 2010 Legacies Now, with the goal of promoting the province as a premier sport event destination.
This year's WBC featured the host Prince George Axemen team along with five other teams, including Team Canada and the U.S. National Team. Spectators came from around the world and the event was broadcast via the web to more than 12 countries.
"The World Baseball Challenge was an excellent opportunity for us to showcase Prince George and let the world know what we have to offer," said Shawn Rice, co-chair and marketing director, 2009 World Baseball Challenge. "Major events like this provide an economic boost to the province, and this international-level event was a welcome shot in the arm to the Prince George area."
More than 18,000 spectators came to watch over the 10-day period of the WBC and over 1,000 hotel room night stays were generated by the visiting teams alone. The Host Society also spent the entire event budget of more than $350,000 either locally or within the province, and Prince George businesses reported increased revenue over the course of the tournament.
Hosting BC community grants are funded through the Province of B.C. and 2010 Legacies Now to support B.C. organizations bidding for or hosting events at the junior, senior and university levels. Between 2004-2009, Hosting BC distributed a total of $2.7 million to support 197 events, including Canadian championships, World Cups and qualifying tournaments for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
With the support from the International Baseball Federation, assistance from Baseball Canada and Baseball BC, Prince George plans to host this event every two years.
Visit HostingBC.ca to find out more way 2010 Legacies Now is helping to promote B.C. as a premier sport event destination.
