Columbus to Host the Association of Chief Executives Of

COLUMBUS TO HOST THE ASSOCIATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVES OF SPORT ANNUAL MEETING IN 2014 Sports Commission to Host CEO’s of United States Olympic Committee National Governing Bodies

COLUMBUS (October 21, 2013) – One of sport’s most powerful associations will visit Columbus in June 2014. The Association of Chief Executives for Sport (ACES), which is a trade association comprised exclusively of CEO's of the United States national sport governing bodies, including all 47 U.S. Olympic sports, will hold their Annual Meeting in Columbus next spring.

“Columbus has worked well with many of our National Governing Bodies and ACES is excited to have our membership visit and see why the city is on the rise,” said Association of Chief Executives of Sport President/CEO Stephen D. Ducoff.

“Columbus is thrilled that ACES will host their spring meeting here,” said Greater Columbus Sports Commission Executive Director Linda Shetina Logan. “We’ve enjoyed working with many of the National Governing Bodies and having the CEO’s together will be a tremendous opportunity to showcase Columbus as a host city .”

The Association of Chief Executives for Sport (ACES) is a 501(c)(6) trade association comprised exclusively of CEO's of United States national sport governing bodies. There are currently 60 members of ACES. All 47 U.S. Olympic Committee National Governing Bodies are members of ACES. The mission of ACES is to support and enhance the business interests of non-profit member sport organizations, share best practices, promote professional development and formulate a collective voice on common issues. The following organizations comprise ACES.

Amateur Softball Association U.S. Orienteering Federation USA Climbing USA Roller Sports National Collegiate Hockey Conference U.S. Rowing Association USA Curling USA Rugby National Strength and Conditioning U.S. Sailing Association USA Cricket USA Shooting National Wheelchair Basketball U.S. Ski & Snowboard Assoc. Association USA Cycling USA Swimming U.S. Association of Blind Athletes U.S. Soccer Federation USA Diving USA Table Tennis U.S. Biathlon U.S. Speedskating USA Field Hockey USA Taekwondo U.S. Bobsled/Skeleton Federation U.S. Squash USA Football USA Team Handball U.S. Bowling Congress U.S. Synchronized Swimming USA Golf USA Track & Field U.S. Equestrian Federation U.S. Tennis Association USA Gymnastics USA Triathlon U.S. Fencing Association USA Archery USA Hockey USA Ultimate U.S. Figure Skating Association USA Badminton USA Judo USA Volleyball U.S. Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association USA Baseball USA Karate USA Water Polo U.S. Lacrosse USA Basketball USA Pentathlon USA Water Ski U.S. Luge Association USA Boxing USA Pickleball USA Weightlifting U.S. Masters Swimming USA Canoe and Kayak USA Racquetball USA Wrestling

The Greater Columbus Sports Commission (GCSC) is the only organization 100% focused on attracting sporting events to Columbus. In 11 years, the sports commission has bid on and brought more than 240 new sporting events to Columbus that have generated an estimated $285 million in visitor spending, while also working to retain annual bid events that have generated an additional $200 million.