Spirit Bear Lodge Kicks Off Pre-Olympic Tourism

I’ll be headed to The Yukon this weekend, but Spirit Bear Lodge in Klemtu, B.C. has some exciting news:

Spirit Bear Adventures kicks off the pre-Olympic season with their new Spirit Bear Lodge and a new website to interact with eco-cultural travelers world-wide

First Nations owned and operated destination offers a rare opportunity to experience the natural beauty and ancient culture of coastal British Columbia

Klemtu, British Columbia, July 2, 2009- Nestled along the rugged central coast of British Columbia in the small village of Klemtu, Spirit Bear Adventures is ready to welcome the world to one of the most unique eco-cultural experiences that Canada has to offer.

The doors of the new Spirit Bear Lodge are wide open for visitors who are in search of a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience a rich cultural journey from past to present while also connecting with the rare white Spirit Bears in the Great Bear Rainforest, the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world.

For the past eight years visitors from as far away as Australia and Japan have been heading off the beaten path to spend time exploring the ancestral lands of the Kitasoo Xai’xais First Nation in search of the Spirit Bears. The grand opening of the $1.5 million dollar Spirit Bear Lodge will allow guests on the four and seven day tours to enjoy relaxed and comfortable accommodations. The new lodge has been built in the spirit of their First Nations heritage and with the comfort of their guests in mind.

“Architecturally, the exterior of the Spirit Bear Lodge pays homage to the traditional long houses built for thousands of years by west coast First Nations. Inside, the atmosphere is modern and relaxing. Through Tsimshian art, wildlife photography capturing the beauty of the area and other unique touches, the lodge has been designed to really tell the stories of the people and their connection with the land,” explains Sean Kerrigan, director of marketing.

After a day of Spirit Bear viewing, guests can share stories in “The Great Room”, an intimate central room with 20-foot high windows looking out to the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by art, guests can gaze out towards the grey blue waters and watch for passing orcas, white-sided dolphins and sea lions. Two locally crafted 12-foot, solid cedar dining tables remind guests of the rich natural resources of the area.

Guests can listen to the perfect silence as they take in the natural wonders of the pristine and raw landscapes that surround them in this culturally authentic lodge. Each guest room takes full advantage of the ocean and rainforest viewscapes and offers a king size bed, private bath and local art. Upon returning to the lodge after a day of wildlife viewing, guest are greeted with an evening of local, west coast cuisine, most likely caught or harvested in the waters of the Kitasoo /Xai’xais Traditional Territory.

The guides at Spirit Bear Adventures are amongst the best in British Columbia. Lead guide Doug Neasloss was recently awarded the Young Adult Achievement Awards by Aboriginal Tourism BC for his outstanding work as an Eco-tour Guide. “We are honoured to be able to share our culture, our history and the natural world that has always surrounded our people. As the Olympics approach we are excited about sharing our stories and our experiences with visitors from around the world,” say Neasloss.

Unprecedented Aboriginal Involvement in the 2010 Olympic Games
As the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada prepare for their unprecedented involvement in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Spirit Bear Adventures is also getting ready to bring their incredibly unique eco-cultural experience to the world.

The new Spirit Bear Adventures interactive website that is being launched this week is just one way that they are reaching out to visitors from all corners of the world. (www.spiritbear.com)

About Spirit Bear Adventures
The 2009 Spirit Bear Adventures bear viewing season runs from the beginning of August through until the end of September. Four and seven day eco-cultural tours are available. A typical tour day begins with a ride in a 10 passenger, enclosed cabin motorboat, which takes you deep into the lush inlets and fjords. After an hour or so of traveling, guests disembark onto land to hike the river mouths, tidal flats and old growth bear trails, searching for an encounter with the Spirit Bear and other abundant wildlife. The tours are accessible to anyone with a certain amount of agility but a high level of physical fitness is not required.

Although the bear viewing tours are only available in August and September, the Spirit Bear Lodge is open year round and offers a memorable place to stay as you travel north or south through the Inside Passage, a journey along British Columbia’s central coast.

Daily float plane service, with connections from Victoria and Vancouver, brings visitors to Klemtu. BC Ferries also services Kelmtu once a week.

The Great Bear Rainforest is home to the world’s only Kitasoo Spirit Bear Conservancy. The Kitasoo/ Xai’xais First Nation have inhabited this geological region for thousands of years and their traditional territory is the location of these eco-cultural tours. The ancestral lands of the Kitasoo Xai’xais First Nation encompasses 5320 sq kms and includes over 100 documented ancient cultural sites.

Spirit Bear Adventures is a major player in the sustainable development and management of the Great Bear Rainforest. The company is focused on building healthy communities through eco-cultural tourism. The five main goals include the creation of employment and capacity building, cultural preservation and pride, the cultivation of a sense of place, economic diversification and value add and the creation of infrastructure and capital for the community.

BCB

BMX Hall of Fame Finds Permanent Home

Chula Vista to host dirt bike valhalla:

The ABA is proud to announce that the ABA BMX Hall of Fame has found a permanent home at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA.  The Olympic Training Center has set aside nearly 1000 sq. ft. inside the OTC Visitor Center to pay homage to BMX heroes from days gone by; the National BMX Hall of Fame will be one of the main attractions for over 300,000 annual visitors.

 

OTC Director Tracy Lamb stated, “It is a great honor to have this collection housed at the Olympic Training Center and it’s very exciting to know that most of the items in the collection have never been on public display”. Tracy went on to add, “now with an Olympic replica BMX track for the Elite riders, an ABA sanctioned amateur track and now the BMX Hall of Fame and Museum Chula Vista will become a world renown BMX destination”.

 

To commemorate this occasion and in conjunction with the UCI Supercross and US Open Amateur National, the San Diego Hall of Champions will host the 25^th annual BMX Hall of Fame banquet Thursday, September 17^th, 2009. The San Diego Hall of Champions is the nation’s largest multi-sport museum, boasting three levels of memorabilia and 70,000 square feet. The museum offers a state-of-the-art theatre, an interactive media center and fascinating displays on the nation’s favorite sports. The Hall of Champions is located in San Diego’s Balboa Park at 2131 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101. http://www.sdhoc.com/

 

“With the history of BMX being somewhat anchored in Southern California it is only fitting that the home of the National BMX Hall of Fame be here in Southern California” said Mike Kitts, Sponsorship Director for the San Diego Sports Commission. Mike added “The San Diego Hall of Champions is honored to host the Hall of Fame induction banquet.  As the nation’s largest multi-sport museum, The Hall of Champions will provide a unique and fitting venue for this event”.

 

The ABA BMX “Hall of Fame” is the who’s who of BMX and consists of riders and industry members who have made notable contributions to the sport of BMX racing.  Each year since 1985, a select few BMX (Bicycle Motocross) riders and industry veterans have been inducted into this elite group of individuals.

 

The induction banquet will be limited to the first 300 individuals to purchase tickets; all proceeds will go directly to the National BMX Hall of Fame Scholarship fund. There will also be a silent auction at the banquet featuring items from Hall of Fame inductees and present day racers with all proceeds going to the Scholarship fund as well.

In addition to the “Early BMX Pioneers”, “BMX Racers” and “Industry Members” categories, a “Freestyle Riders” category is being added to the ABA BMX “Hall of Fame”. This will be a great addition to the “Hall of Fame”, allowing many talented riders to be honored.

 

American Bicycle Association, CEO B.A. Anderson had this to say, “We have been in search of a home for our extensive collection of Hall of Fame memorabilia for years and I cannot think of a more suitable location than the U.S. Olympic Training Center.”  B.A. added “utilizing the San Diego Hall of Champions for the induction ceremony will truly make this a must attend event for all avid BMXer’s”.

 

About the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista:

The U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista is the first USOC training facility to be master-planned from the ground up and is dedicated to the development of America’s future Olympic athletes. The Training Center rests on a 150-acre complex adjacent to Lower Otay Lake in San Diego County. The center has sport venues and support facilities for nine Olympic sports: archery, canoe/kayak, cycling, field hockey, rowing, soccer, softball, tennis, and track & field. For more information about the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, click the link below:

http://www.usoc.org/content/index/1375

BCB

Soul Man: Moore of Sam & Dave to Perform at Hall of Fame Game

When we think of the name Sam in football lore, names such as Huff and Baugh spring to mind. But hold on, Sam Moore’s coming to the Pro Football Hall of Fame:

 

 

The Pro Football Hall of Fame has invited a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer to be a part of the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival celebration. Sam Moore of the historic soul duo Sam and Dave will perform during halftime of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game between the Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans on Sunday, August 9, at 8 p.m. ET.

 

Moore, a critically acclaimed Grammy Award winning artist, has collaborated on recordings and live performances with many of today’s top artists. Some of his hit songs include: “Soul Man,” “Hold On I’m Coming” and “I Thank You.”  He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 and has received several prestigious music awards.

 

Also performing at halftime and accompanying Moore as he sings some of his best known hits of the 1960s, will be the Aurora High School Marching Band.  The theme of the halftime production is a Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the American Football League.

 

“It has been a lifelong dream of mine to be accompanied by a marching band,” Moore informed the show’s producer. “Many of my original band members played in marching bands and I am beyond thrilled and flattered to finally have the opportunity to do so with the Aurora High School Marching Band,” stated Moore.

 

Moore will also sign the National Anthem at the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Enshrinement Ceremony of the Class of 2009 – Bob Hayes, Randall McDaniel, Bruce Smith, Derrick Thomas, Ralph Wilson, Jr., and Rod Woodson on Saturday, August 8, at 7:00 p.m. ET. The Enshrinement Ceremony is nationally televised by ESPN and NFL Network.

 

The Hall of Fame Game officially kicks off the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the American Football League. As part of the celebration, both the Bills and Titans will play in throwback uniforms.  The Titans, who originally played as the Houston Oilers, will wear a 1960s styled Oilers uniform. The game is televised nationally by NBC at 8 p.m. ET.

 

Tickets for both the Hall of Fame Game and the Enshrinement Ceremony may be purchased online by visiting the Hall’s website at Profootballhof.com or by calling (800)-913-9788.

 

The cost for Enshrinement tickets is $28 for sideline seats and $60 for floor seats and $150 for special VIP seats.  The floor and VIP seats are for 2009 only and non-renewable in future years. 

 

Ticket prices for the NFL Hall of Fame Game are $45 for end zone seats and $55 and $60 for sideline seats.  All tickets sales are final and are non-refundable and non-renewable.  In addition to individual Enshrinement and Pro Football Hall of Fame Game tickets, special fan travel packages are also available through Sports Travel and Tours. For fan package information visit Profootballhof.com or call (888) 310-4255.

 BCB

Where Will President Obama Stay (And Play) On Martha’s Vineyard?

Link is from Baller-in-Chief blogger and sportswear CEO Claude Johnson:

http://baller-in-chief.com/photos/some-basketball-options-for-obama-at-marthas-vineyard?utm_campaign=Twitter&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitter

Summer basketball on Martha’s Vineyard has a rich tradition, and many lifelong friendships were made on its courts. One place much of that history took place was at the public courts in Niantic Park, where a summer league for boys, teens, and adults was founded in 1970 by Vineyard Regional High School basketball Coach Jay Schofield and his aide Chris McCarthy. From the 1970’s util the 1990’s, young men, and later girls, from Boston and its suburbs, New York City, Connecticut, and island natives battled for individual and league honors there. Vacationers and year-round residents still tell fond stories of their days or observations in those leagues (a few pros even found their way to the park). There is a photo of the hallowed court in the “Baller-in-Chief” blog article.

If President Obama or his girls go to Niantic Park to shoot around, they’ll make the court famous, but for thousands of Americans it’s already a special place.

BCB

Sweet Shoutout To Sweet Spot Golf

More kudos for some slick ladies’ sticks:

http://realwomengolf.blogspot.com/2009/06/nothing-like-hitting-sweet-spot.html

Keep up the good work fellas.

BCB

Sports in St. Louis’ Loop: The Pin-Up Bowl

Smack in the middle of the booming, luminescent night life of St. Louis’ trendy Loop district is a place where you can knock down pins near where President Obama knocks down pies (pizza, that is).  At 6191 Delmar, The Pin-Up Bowl is equal parts eight lane bowling alley and martini bar:

http://www.pinupbowl.com

There are not too many trendy downtown bowling alleys in America (only Cleveland’s Corner Alley comes to mind). Pin-Up is conveniently located near a Metro stop, the new boutique hotel The Moonrise, Thai Cafe, the popular Pageant Theatre, and the aforementioned pizzeria al presidente, π (get it, “pie”?). Hoops fans, Hall fo Famer and longtime St. Louis Hawks’ star Bob Pettit is commemorated with a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame across the street from The Moonrise.

Make a night of it here, from the Eclipse Restaurant, or chic rooftop bar of  The Moonrise. The hotel, which opened in March, has a lunar-retro motif, is swarming with attractive singles, and features valet parking. Take in the view from the top, from which one can see the Gateway Arch. But back to the sports. Whether you’re bowling, for dollars, giggles, or nostalgia, an evening at Pin-Up Bowl has it all. The place is done out in what else- vintage pinup “girl” art.  If you love music, St. Louis native Chuck Berry rocked his 80th birthday there, and rapper Nelly has also been in the house. It’s perfect for a knockdown, drag out good time. No wonder The Loop in “The Lou” is packed with patrons on Friday and weekend nights.

BCB

Meet Me in St. Louis

The Cards. Hank Armstrong, Archie Moore, Sonny Liston and the Spinks brothers. “Easy” Ed Macauley and Bob Pettit. Yogi Berra, Joe Garagiola and Stan Musial. St. Louis has a rich sports history to recommend it. 

I’ll be touring Missouri next week, including Springfield, Hannibal, and Saint Genevieve, but based at the new Moonrise Hotel, a boutique:

http://www.moonrisehotel.com/

I love the city’s Loop, Forest Park, University, and Central West End sections- they have the most beautiful architecture of any American communities.

BCB

Bloch Business School Goes Cycling

A new turn for a Kansas City institution:

The Bloch School of Business partners with Team Garmin and Auction Cause to offer the ultimate cycling spectator experience.

Entrepreneurial fundraising in a challenging economy – bid for a unique VIP experience at the famed bicycle race in Paris, France, proceeds to benefit Bloch School of Business Students.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. June 2, 2009 – With a challenging economy impacting nonprofits, one entrepreneurial business school has developed an innovative method of raising funds and awareness for their school’s educational program. An auction for VIP access to the exciting final stage at cycling’s premier race on July 26, 2009 in Paris, France is up for grabs on eBay to the highest bidder.

Garmin International, the global leader in satellite navigation and sponsor of Team Garmin, and Auction Cause, the leading cause marketing agency have partnered with The Henry W. Bloch School of Business and Public Administration at the University of Missouri-Kansas City(UMKC) to offer cycling fans and enthusiasts a once-in-a-lifetime cycling experience!

“Given the economy and our school’s spirit of entrepreneurism, we were forced to be innovative when approaching this year’s fundraising efforts,” said Joe Freeman, co-chair of the Council for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. ìThis unique opportunity goes beyond a traditional auction listing, allowing fans to see Cycling’s Premier Race with unprecedented access.”

Dr. Michael Song, Director of the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Bloch School, and one of the world’s leading academics for entrepreneurialism sees a great lesson for his students in this effort. “Entrepreneurism is something we teach everyday at the Bloch School. Given the importance of funding these vital education programs, it
s something we had to exhibit as well in this case. All funds raised from this event will be used to help train future student entrepreneurs enrolled at the Bloch School of Business.” said Dr. Song.

In the finale of perhaps the greatest spectator sport in the world, Paris, France will be the setting for the lucky winner who outbids their competitors, capturing a racing package loaded with fun events, gifts, parties, and of course four premier seats at the finish line on the Champs-Elysees in Paris.

Garmin donated the cycling package to help raise funds for the Bloch School’s Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, one of the world’s leading entrepreneurial training centers.

BCB

Bishop’s Lodge Offers Golf Package

At Black Mesa, N.M.:

Bishop’s Lodge in Santa Fe, NM, offers a golf package that includes overnight deluxe accommodations for two, breakfast at Las Fuentes Restaurant, and a round of golf with a golf cart at Black Mesa Golf Club — ranked as the finest course in the state by Golf Digest.

Golf package rates start at $250 per night with a 2-night minimum, based on double occupancy. Rate does not include resort fee and taxes.

Designed by Baxter Spann, Black Mesa Golf Course plays through dramatic sandstone ridges, distinctive bunkering, native arroyos, and the green contours of natural landforms.

On-site resort activities also include horseback riding, tennis, swimming in an outdoor heated pool, hiking or biking on miles of trails, and relaxing at the spa.

The ShaNah Spa and Wellness Center offers 27 different spa treatments on the spa menu and a hot tub and watsu therapy pool in the spa garden. Treatments include massage, facials, body wraps and scrubs. The ShaNah Spa has been recognized with the Conde Nast Johanssen as one of the best spas in North American and the Caribbean.

Ranked by Travel & Leisure magazine as one of America’s premier retreats, the Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa offers resort-style family vacations, weddings, and conference facilities. The Resort is managed by Prism Hotels & Resorts. To make a reservation call 800-419-0492. For information about the resort, please visit www.bishopslodge.com.

BCB

Tony Stewart Drives Bass Pro Shops in Ohio Race

The famed #14 car comes to Rossburg’s Eldora Speedway:

Tony Stewart will be trying to take the checkered flag two years in a row this Wednesday night, June 3rd in his Bass Pro Shops sponsored car at the 5th annual Prelude to the Dream charity all-star late model race at his own Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio.

It’s a night of speed, flying dirt and nonstop racing action as NASCAR drivers Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Ryan Newman, Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Kasey Kahne, Matt Kenseth, Denny Hamlin, Clint Bowyer, and other favorite drivers try to beat defending champion Stewart to the finish line for bragging rights.

Stewart may have won the race last year on the half-mile dirt track, but the biggest winners of the night were the Tony Stewart Foundation of which Johnny Morris and Bass Pro Shops have been long time sponsors,  and the Victory Junction Gang Camp founded by NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and his wife, Pattie.

This year the race will support America’s severely injured military personnel or fallen heroes and their families through the Wounded Warrior Project, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Operation Home Front, and Fisher House. 

BCB