NORFOLK, Va. --- The Hampton Roads Sports Commission, an affiliate of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, is excited to announce the launch of a new event, the Hampton Roads Hero Games, slated to be held from October 5-8, 2016. The event was created in an effort to recognize the law enforcement, fire, EMS and EMT “heroes” of our region through an action-packed, competitive and fun-filled environment with their fellow service men and women.

Bryan K. Stephens, President and CEO of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce stated, “We are proud of the Hampton Roads Sports Commission for organizing the first annual Hampton Roads Hero Games for the region. This event is a wonderful opportunity for all fire, law enforcement, EMS and their families to participate in action-packed, competitive and fun-filled sporting events. It is also a great opportunity for the business community to show their appreciation to the men and women that keep our communities safe!”

The Hero Games will span four days and feature eight sporting events throughout Hampton Roads. All fire, law enforcement, EMS employees and their families will have the opportunity to pick and choose which sports to compete in. They may participate in as little as one event or all eight.

Virginia Beach Fire Chief Steve Cover is very excited about hosting the first event scheduled for the “Hero Games,” the firefighter challenge.  “Firefighters frequently face physical challenges, but the invitation to host one of the events in the first annual Hampton Roads Hero Games is a unique opportunity for the Virginia Beach Fire Department and something we are very proud to be a part of,” said Cover. “The firefighter challenge scheduled to take place at the Virginia Beach Fire and EMS Training Center on October 5^th, not only affords us the chance to compete with our brothers and sisters from other fire departments in our region, but it is also a chance for all first responders to show the camaraderie and spirit that makes us so proud of our professions and the communities we serve.”

** Schedule is subject to change

“We are proud to create an event in partnership with our local service members that allow us to pay tribute, give thanks and raise money for law enforcement and fire related charities,” said Lauren Bland, Executive Director of the Hampton Roads Sports Commission. “This event is family-friendly, but we’re also excited to see who the best competitors are in the region!”

For more information on sponsorship and registration, please visit: http://hamptonroadssports.org/page/2016-hero-games/. Challenge your heroes today to see which sports our service men and women dominate in!

About HRSC

Founded in February of 1999, HRSC has focused on endorsing Hampton Roads as an attractive and attainable location for national and international amateur sporting events. The Sports Commission has generated more than $227 million in economic impact for the region since 1998. The organization has successfully managed the AAU Junior Olympic Games (1998, 2001, 2006, 2010, 2015), the Red Cross Heroes Games (2003, 2004), and the National Senior Games (2003), among many others.   It is the mission of HRSC to strategically attract, create and host high caliber sports events, while fostering city cohesiveness and enhancing the economy, image and quality of life for the region. For more on the Hampton Roads Sports Commission, visit the HRSC’s home on the Internet at www.hamptonroadssports.org. Don’t forget to become a fan of the HRSC on Facebook  and follow @HRSC757 on Twitter!

MEDIA CONTACT:
Lauren Bland, HRSC Executive Director
lbland@hrccva.com
757-664-2576