Visit Topeka Launches Topeka Area Sports Commission
Visit Topeka is pleased to announce the creation and official launch of the Topeka Area Sports Commission, a new committee designed to advocate for and strategically advance the sports scene in the greater Topeka area.
At its April board meeting, the Visit Topeka Board of Directors voted to ratify formation of the sports commission, solidifying its role in the community. The idea for the Topeka Area Sports Commission developed from conversations with community stakeholders who identified the need for a permanent organization dedicated to advancing youth and adult sports in Topeka and surrounding counties, improving the area’s sports landscape one project at a time and for decades to come.
“The creation of the Topeka Area Sports Commission represents an exciting opportunity for Visit Topeka and our surrounding communities,” said Kent Lammers, chair of the Visit Topeka board. “This group will work collaboratively to improve the quality of life for existing residents, as well as those who are guests of our city. Our reputation as a leader in various aspects of sporting events will be enhanced by the work of this team. Game on, Topeka!”
“Athletic competition instills priceless education in our young people. In coming months, TASC will be researching, building and promoting these classrooms we call fields, courts and complexes,” said Jake Farrant, president of Mammoth Sports Construction. “Topeka is blessed to have so many community leaders who want the absolute best for families raising children. I'm honored, passionate and eager to serve in this role as we shape Topeka's youth-sports identity.”
Farrant, who was a key player in initial discussions about the possibility of a local sports commission, has agreed to serve as the Topeka Area Sports Commission’s inaugural chair. Soon, Visit Topeka expects to begin recruiting volunteer leaders who will help advance the commission’s work of transforming Topeka, Shawnee County and beyond, into a premier destination for sporting events of all types.
“I’m extremely grateful for Jake’s leadership and the support we’ve gotten from our Visit Topeka board,” said Sean Dixon, president of Visit Topeka. “Establishing this new sports commission is an incredible first step toward identifying and pursuing opportunities that will allow the Topeka area to set itself apart when it comes to creating and attracting sporting events that not only bring families to our capital city, but that uplift those families already active in our community. I’m excited for our work to begin!”
Visit Topeka’s Mike Bell will act as director of the commission, translating direction into action moving forward. Those interested in connecting with the commission should reach out to him at Mike@VisitTopeka.com.
“It’s an honor to serve as director of the commission, and I look forward to partnering with community members and business owners to bring our many ideas to life,” said Bell, Visit Topeka’s vice president of sports sales and marketing. “Having worked in sports sales for almost a decade, I know our great city can become a first-class, sought-after destination for many different types of sporting events. I’m confident this new commission will make that goal a reality.”
