Colorado Springs Economic Develop. Corp.'s health and fitness cluster promotes city as health mecca

In its November 2003 issue, Men's Health Magazine rated Colorado Springs No. 20 in the United States among America's healthiest cities for men. Past accolades for the Springs' rank as a fit and healthy city include its 2002 designation in Men's Fitness Magazine as the No. 1 fittest city in the

In May 2003, the CSBJ reported on a health and fitness cluster group initiated by the Greater Colorado Springs Economic Development Corporation. The group had its first gathering in March 2003 and defined its goals, which included developing the Springs as a world- renown fitness community. Rocky Scott, EDC president, said in the May article that he envisions a health and fitness cluster in the Springs that includes many companies and organizations like the U.S. Olympic Training Center and Carmichael Training Systems (See Fittest city could reap healthy economic gains, CSBJ, May 2003). The cluster's specific mission is to promote the city as a major exporter of services and goods that improve human health and human physical performance.

The Springs sports and fitness-related business base includes more than 20 sports governing bodies, the U.S. Olympic Training Center's national headquarters, the U.S. Olympic Training Center and the Sports Corporation.

Both nonprofit and for-profit sports and health-oriented businesses are members of the cluster, which is addressing all kinds of possibilities to promote the Springs as the health and fitness mecca of the world. The cluster group met again in November.

Chris Carmichael, owner of Carmichael Training Systems, discussed his feelings about the group. The group is gradually coming together very nicely. The meeting in November was very productive, and we were able to identify the needs and desires of each organization. There was also creative discussion on what assets and resources each organization has and possible ways to share these, said Carmichael. Our vision is to make Colorado Springs a destination for health, fitness and wellness, not only for visitors but also for residents as well, and be able to promote the Springs as such. Colorado Springs needs to capitalize on its reputation as one of the healthiest cities in the U.S. and be more user-friendly for all types of outdoor activities and sports.

At the November meeting, participants outlined priorities for making that goal come to fruition by further supporting the national sports governing bodies. Fundraising for sports-related programs and facilities topped the list, and following were strategies to coordinate sports groups with the community, recruit and manage volunteers for sports events, coordinate youth sports development programs, produce sports-related educational or research workshops, sponsor sports scholarships and more.

Scott said there is a significant opportunity for partnerships in the community with all of the sports, fitness and health care industries. The concept and cluster will strengthen as partnerships develop and the network increases. And it is a good plan to diversify the economy and keep Colorado Springs in the upper tier of the fittest and healthiest cities in which to live.