After the failed Olympic bid, Mount Royal University professors, Dr. David Finch and Dr. David Legg , recognizing that the “business of sports is not just a business unto itself but rather a critical driver of  the future vision of our city”, determined that an in-depth discussion and a critical analysis of the regional sports environment was warranted. This was the impetus behind the inaugural and hugely successful,  Sports Business Round-table held at Mount Royal University on March 20, 2019.

The event was comprised of over 40 regional sport business leaders from a variety of private and public organizations representing a diverse cross-section of sports. The purpose of the round-table was to measure interest  in establishing a collective approach to furthering the vision and purpose of sport in the region and using this as the “catalyst” to position the City of Calgary and the Bow Valley Corridor into “Canada’s most livable region”.

Vigorous discussion ensued, a massive amount of comments were collected and a plan of action was formed! The information collected along with the post event feedback  has helped Dr. David Finch and Dr. David Legg determine the necessity of a strategic plan that will encompass collaboration, community engagement and  targeted evidence based research initiatives.

Going forward, an independent working group, [Sport Business Working Group] will continue to “examine the role of sport business ecosystem as a catalyst for delivering the larger community priorities in our region.” The Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship will continue to host, facilitate and administer the group. A community board will be recruited by Dr. Finch and Dr. Legg. This community board will provide guidance, offer support to ensure alignment across the “ecosystem” and aid in building formal and informal partnerships to drive public engagement.

For further information, contact Dr. David Finch at dfinch@mtroyal.ca or Dr. David Legg at dlegg@mtoyal.ca