ESC Sports Tourism Awards
Since 2015, the Erie Sports Commission has hosted a celebration to honor the previous years' accomplishments and collectively thank all of the great partners who make our events possible. Seven awards are presented, in addition to a review of the activities of the ESC, often presented by community partners.
Impact Award
The Impact Award is presented to the event which generates a significant economic impact on the Erie region, as well as creates a positive impact on our community through media exposure and community benefit.
Past Winners: PA USBC Open Championship (2024), Sarah Backstrom Memorial Girls Hockey Tournament (2023), Keystone State Wrestling Championships (2022), Lake Erie National Cheer and Dance Championships (2021), PA USBC Open Championships (2019), VNEA PA State 8-Ball Tournament (2018, 2017), Stars and Stripes Gymnastics Invitational (2016), Erie Admirals Elite Challenge Cup (2015)
Volunteer of the Year Award
The Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to the individual or group of individuals who committed an extraordinary amount of time and effort to ensure the success of a signature event.
Past Winners: Kregg and Katie Heenan of the Erie Cancer Wellness Center Duathlon (2024), Brandon Borgia of the Lake Erie Disc Golf Club (2023), Bob Borgia of the Erie Pickleball Players Association (2022), Mark Harrington for Rambler Wrestling Club's Battle on the Bay (2021), Lauren and Josh Eckendorf for The Edinboro Triathlon (2019), Ray Kraus and Carlo Fachetti for Erie Frost Softball Battle of Lake Erie (2018), LeAnn Johnson for OVR Volleyball Series (2017), John Leisering for PA Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (2016), Don Pollard for PA Junior Wrestling (2015)
New Event of the Year
The New Event of the Year Award is presented to the group or individual who hosted the most outstanding first-time event in Erie that generated economic impact, publicity, and excitement in the region. This award was first introduced in 2015.
Past Winners: Midwest GAA (2024), USFA Intercollegiate Figure Skating Competition (2023), Strongman Corporation National Championships (2022), Formula DRIFT: BORDERLANDS (2021), Mid Atlantic Broomball Tournament (2019), Ice Breaker Tournament, presented by LECOM, (2018), Flyboard National Tour (2017), VNEA World Junior Pool Championships (2016), Erie Poker Run (2015)
Event Series of the Year
The Event Series of the Year Award is presented to the group or individual who has made an impact on the Erie sports scene by hosting multiple events in one year that drive tourism and create economic impact. This award was first introduced in 2015.
Past Winners: World Ninja League Regional Qualifiers (2024), Syracuse Select Basketball (2023), Lake Effect Hockey (2022), Lax Bash (2021), Champion Cheer Central (2019, 2018, 2017), Keystone Hoops Group Shoot the Rock Series (2016), Champion Cheer Central (2015)
Locally Managed Event of the Year
The Locally Managed Event of the Year Award is presented to the person or group who has made an impact on the Erie sports scene by creating an event locally that drives tourism, creates economic impact, and positive influence on the Erie Community.
Past Winners: Barber Beast on the Bay (2024), Erie Cancer Wellness Center Duathlon (2023), Champion Cheer Central's Lake Erie National Cheer and Dance Championships (2022), Sarah Backstrom Memorial Tournament (2021), Erie Frost Softball Battle of Lake Erie (2019), Lake Erie Cyclefest (2018), Stars and Stripes Gymnastics Invitational (2017), Barber Beast on the Bay (2016), Stars and Stripes Gymnastics Invitational (2015)
National Event of the Year
The National Event of the Year Award is presented to an event that had a significant impact on the Erie region, drawing large participation numbers, creating noteworthy media attention, and generating both social and economic impact for the region.
Past Winners: Major League Fishing (2024), Imagine National Dance Challenge (2023), The Great Race (2022), NCAA National Collegiate Women's Hockey Championships (2021), Rally North America: Rally New England (2019), NCATA National Championships (2018), VNEA World Junior Pool Championships, 100% RAW Powerlifting Federation World Championships (2016), The Biggest Loser RunWalk (2015)
Ron Sertz Dedication to Erie
Presented in recognition of those people and events which have regularly been awarded by the ESC, and shown a dedication to Erie by consistently growing participation, increasing an already-significant economic impact, and generally producing a high quality event that has had a longstanding, profound impact on Erie sports tourism. Those inducted into this category will no longer be eligible to win ESC awards after the date of induction.
Inductees: Jim Waters, Owner of the Erie Otters (2024), Champion Cheer Central: Heather Petz and Kim Soder (2023), Casey Wells of Erie Events (2022), VNEA PA State 8-Ball Tournament (2019), Stars and Stripes Gymnastics Invitational (2018), Ron Sertz (2018)
