For immediate release:
The Scott County Visitors Commission and the Scottsburg Airport have just announced that after six months of negotiations and bidding, Scottsburg Airport in Indiana has been selected to be the host site of the 8th US National Microlight Championships. The event will be held September 22- 25, 2004.
Bob McAdams, Executive Director of the Commission, stated that “it has taken a long time for us to get here. Last September at the Scottsburg Airport’s annual Fly-In, owner Larry Beckley made a comment that we should try to get the National’s here. We began the investigation.”
“I still can’t believe we have been selected!” commented Beckley. “This will be such a great thing for the community, and for the Airport. I appreciate everything the Visitors Commission is doing, to make this possible. Without their support, it would have been impossible.” Paula Donohue and Bob McAdams, coordinators of CourtFest have agreed to assist with the planning phases.
Beckley added, “I think it will be really exciting for people to watch some of the best pilots in the United States, and possibly the world, compete in a variety of events! The final day of the event will be Saturday, which will coincide with the Airport’s annual Fly-In. Saturday is also the day the awards are presented to the winners of the seven events.”
“It would probably be difficult to believe how many hours, emails and faxes have gone into this project so far. John Grammer, of Clarksville, and pilot, has been one of the key components of the event. He has been in touch with people all over the country to find out answers to questions. We literally were emailing Christmas morning, to complete a very long and complicated bid, and which had a deadline. We owe a huge thanks to John for all he has done so far, and has committed for the future,” McAdams stated.
Three styles of planes will compete at the event: microlight’s, power paragliders, and for the first time to ever participate in the competition, power parachutes. Many of the pilots who will compete, routinely attend similar events in Europe. The event is sanctioned by USUA, United States Ultralight Association, a Maryland corporation.
Many of the activities associated with the event are being worked out. “Since this is the first time to host the event, and since all indications are the this may be one of the best attended, it is necessary to look at all contingencies,” commented Donohue. “As with any event, it takes many hours of planning and considering every option. If it is well planned, by the time the event arrives, everything has been anticipated, and then you just manage the days.”
“I could never express how brilliantly this Board works together,” stated McAdams. “It just seems like over and over, when ideas are presented to them, they see what will be good for Scott County, and they go after the things which make our community stand out. The Board’s successes are based on sound business planning. As stated in an earlier article, the County Council deserves to much thanks for their insight in forming the Commission several years ago.”
For more information, visit www.UltralightNationals.com .