Founded in 1995, the Columbus Sports Council has continued its mission of bringing visitors to the area through a love and dedication to sports. The Council was founded in preparation for the 1996 Sports Olympics hosted in Atlanta. Columbus hosted the softball portion, and that drastically improved tourism. The event paved the way for the Columbus softball circuit and all sports.
The Sports Council is a 501 c3 non-profit. Over the past year, the South Commons Softball Complex events generated over $10 million from visitor stays for Muscogee County. The funds collected from the sports events go back into the community of Columbus and the expansion of sports hosting. The Council continues to have the opportunity to host nationally known sports leagues, such as the Georgia High School State Softball Championship, the National Fast Pitch Coaches Association, the World Sport Stacking Association and the Black Softball Circuit. “There’s traditionally a different event at South Commons every weekend starting mid-February until October for all sports and all age groups,” said Sports Council Executive Director Merri Sherman.
In the new year, the Sports Council will continue aggressively booking sporting events that attract diverse audiences. Some of the athletic events include a track & field event with Coach O, an Olympic medalist originally from Columbus, the NAIA Swimming & Diving Championship and the 40th Annual Georgia Police and Fire Games. Having taken the reigns on the Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame and the All Chattahoochee Valley High School sports teams, the Council is strengthening its efforts to give back to the local community. More information about upcoming events, volunteering, sponsorship and more can be found on the Columbus Sports Council website.
By Janell Williams