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<br />e <br /> <br />Mr. Jordan said Eugene will host the World Veteransl Championships, July 27 <br />through August 6, 1989, under the auspices of the Oregon Track Club. The <br />event is expected to attract an estimated 6,000 participants and 10,000 to <br />12,000 spectators from more than 52 countries and pump more than $10 million <br />into the Eugene/Springfield economy. <br /> <br />Mr. Jordan said virtually every track and field event ever known is open to <br />men 40 years of age and over and women 35 years of age and older. It has <br />been estimated that 419 separate competitions will be required to cover all <br />heats for all age groups of both sexes. While Hayward Field will be the <br />primary venue, it is anticipated that use of both Silke Field in Springfield <br />and the field at Lane Community College will be needed to meet the demand of <br />the competition. Three off-venue events (a marathon, road run, and road <br />walk) will make use of the area's streets and bike paths, as well. <br /> <br />Ms. Kousky said based on entries received thus far, the projection of 5,000 <br />to 6,000 competitors and 10,000 visitors total during the event appear <br />accurate. University housing and local hotels/motels will be used to house <br />the visitors; the University has reserved approximately 2,800 beds and 2,500 <br />local hotel/motel rooms have been reserved. In the first week of January, <br />$70,000 in deposits were mailed to local hotels/motels. In May, these <br />businesses will be paid for 40 percent of the total stay, and within 30 days <br />of the event, they will be paid in full. <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />Mr. Jordan said the organizing committee is doing a number of things to <br />promote the event and the area to the rest of the world. Among the <br />promotional tools being used are articles in various magazines, update <br />advertisements in The Register-Guard, and possible national television <br />coverage. <br /> <br />Ms. Kousky said the organlzlng committee wants the visitors to see the area. <br />To this end, there will be daily coach tours throughout the state. These <br />tours will take visitors to the beach, the mountains, Wildlife Safari, local <br />wineries, and other attractions. In addition, Ms. Kousky reviewed a number <br />of local events that will provide entertainment for the visitors. She said <br />the organizing committee is also preparing t-shirts, souvenirs, apparel, and <br />artwork for sale to help fund the event. <br /> <br />Mr. Jordan discussed financing for the event. Over $75,000 has come from a <br />trust fund established by National Masters to be used by the first US city to <br />be awarded the championships. There has been good sponsorship from the <br />private sector as well, most of which is in-kind funding. The organizing <br />committee has been working with the City to make a proposal to the Governor <br />for funds from his Strategic Reserve Fund. Mr. Jordan said the committee is <br />looking for additional funding from sponsors--several proposals are still <br />under consideration. Any additional funding will enable the City to produce <br />a better championship and position the community to attract similar events in <br />the future. <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />MINUTES--Eugene City Council <br /> <br />January 25, 1989 <br /> <br />Page 5 <br />