Sports Continue To Grow On All Levels

Historically professional sports have been drawn to large metropolitan areas with thriving economies and the population to attract a substantial fan base. The Triangle has long been known as a powerhouse in college sports, specifically ACC basketball and semi-professional baseball, but was it feasible to bring a major professional team or sporting event to the area? How about to Cary? The answer is YES!

Triangle fans have been enjoying and cheering on their favorite stars at Duke University, North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for a number of years. Dozens of other smaller public and private colleges enjoy sizable crowds. One would think that the Durham Bulls and Carolina Mudcats have been family favorites since the beginning of time. So why get so excited this year?

There are several reasons to cheer. Charity golf tournaments like the Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic have drawn thousands to the Town of Cary year after year. This year will be no different. More than 100 celebrities, 100 local and national sponsors, and 1,200 volunteers come together every August to see old friends, make new friends, and play a little golf ~ all the while raising money, lots of money, to fight cancer.

In just eight years The Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic has donated close to eight million dollars to The V Foundation for Cancer Research. Those dollars represent over 150 research grants, at scientific and medical facilities nationwide, that will someday lead to finding a cure for cancer.

Thanks to SAS Institute, professional golf has now come to town. Played at scenic Prestonwood Country Club in Cary, North Carolina, the SAS Championship brings together the world's top senior players in a three-day competition on Prestonwood's championship-caliber course, designed by Tom Jackson. Prestonwood features 54 holes on three unique courses, and the SAS Championship combines holes from two of them to create the most challenging round of golf for the pros. Tournament activities span nearly a week. A pro-am played during the two days leading up to the tournament pairs sponsors, VIPs and pros in a fun but competitive event. Pitching and putting clinics and displays offered by the pros are open to the public. And, of course, everyone is welcome to watch the Senior PGA golfers get ready for their rounds on the driving range and putting green. Approachability is a trait for which Senior PGA players are known, and the patient fan will likely have the chance to meet and obtain the autograph of his or her favorite golfer.

Remember when your mother said "Don't throw that ball in the house, you'll break something." The Carolina Cobras obviously didn't listen. The Cobras are one of 16 teams in the 16-year old Arena Football League. Carolina, which plays home games indoors at the ESA, is one of the premier franchises in the high-energy, high scoring professional football league. In just their second season, the Cobras organization won the prestigious Commissioner's Award for excellence on and off the field in 2001. During their first two seasons in the Triangle, Carolina has averaged over 12,500 fans per game.

The Carolina Cobras organization is committed to the betterment of the quality of life for area youth and families. The Carolina Cobras Community Relations department works as a mechanism to create and implement efficient and effective programs that work towards the organizational goal of improving the community. One of those programs, Cobras C.A.R.E, was developed as a community outreach program dedicated to educating youth on the importance of self-esteem, respect and education.

Cobras players and coaches speak to school-age children on how C.A.R.E. has influenced their lives and how it still applies to them even today. Many children love to play sports and look to professional athletes as role models. The C.A.R.E. program teaches children about life in general. It teaches them to try to be the best persons they can possibly be and emphasizes setting high standards and goals.

The eye of one of the biggest hurricanes in history is right over the Triangle in 2002. The Carolina Hurricanes, now in their third season in the Entertainment and Sports Arena, have taken the community by storm. Attendance has steadily increased each year and the hurricanes have advanced to the playoffs in all but one season since moving to North Carolina. None have been as exciting at the 2001-2002 campaign.

Previously the Hartford Whalers, Carolina had failed to make it past the first round of the playoffs in each of its last four and only appearances in the post season. This year, at the time this story went to press, the Hurricanes were entering their first Stanley Cup Final. Win or lose, many hearts have been won over and the economic impact of such a worldwide draw of fans and media will surely remain fresh in the mind of hockey's newest southern diehards, The Caniacs.

Since the Carolina Hurricanes made the Triangle their home, the team has been committed to improving the lives of area children and their families. Through the Kids 'n Community Foundation, the Hurricanes raise funds to support educational and children's programs in the Triangle region. The players, their families, executives and staff are actively involved in community activities. And the team supports hundreds of local church, school, and charitable organizations by donating signed hockey memorabilia and tickets for use in auctions and other fundraising efforts.

The newest game in town has put Cary on the national sporting map. This year marks the historical arrival of the Carolina Courage of the Women's United Soccer Association. Fans have an opportunity to witness, on a weekly basis, the most elite women's soccer players on the planet. All of the great stars of the 1999 World Cup Champion U.S. National team, plus the best players from countries like Norway, China, and Brazil, will compete each week right here in Cary.

Attending a Carolina Courage game is quality family entertainment. The atmosphere at these world-class contests is amazingly fan-friendly. When you bring your family out to SAS Stadium in Cary to see the Courage, you don't have to worry about anything but having a great time with your family. From an educational perspective, the Courage will provide a tremendous benefit to the soccer-playing youth in the area. The key to improving as a player is really no secret. By watching soccer played at the highest level on a regular basis, your child will simply get better. The lessons of soccer, its complexities and nuances are learned, almost through osmosis, by watching the game played at a very high standard. Therefore, if your goal is to develop as a player, you should make it a priority to attend Carolina Courage games, watch and learn.

Another reason to celebrate is that the Courage players are wonderful role models for the children in the area. As professional athletes, these players are instant celebrities. But more than that, they are accessible heroes. Wherever they go, the Courage players take time out to interact with children, sign autographs, and pose for photographs. You just won't find a more generous, accessible group of athletes. They take seriously their responsibilities to the community, by setting positive examples for others with their actions both on and off the playing field.

The Courage players are also role models in a professional sense. Young girls can now aspire to be like WUSA players Carla Overbeck, Tiffany Roberts, and Mia Hamm. They will be able to watch these amazing athletes week in, week out in their own backyards. Most importantly, they will now know that they too can make a credible living as a professional women's soccer player. They can play before big crowds. They can play on national television. They can become media stars in this sport. And more kids are going to grow up dreaming of being a professional women's soccer player. In short, the arrival of professional women's soccer in the area will signal to our daughters that dreams do come true.

In addition to providing Cary residents with an excellent family entertainment option, the arrival of the Carolina Courage has other benefits. Local merchants should enjoy increased business around the Courage 10 home dates each summer. Nearby hotels and restaurants will surely see greater occupancy and covers when the team is in town.

Cary and the Triangle continue to grow and with that growth comes world-class teams and sporting events. So as Cary swishes, checks, slide tackles, birdies and sacks its way into the future, take the family out for an entertaining day at the park, arena, stadium or course. You're guaranteed to see something amazing and have a great time doing it.