The Sports Backers are starting to receive word from a number of pro athletes as to their plans for Dominion Riverrock, and, especially in the climbing world, the news is good. Bouldering stalwarts Angie Payne, Sasha DiGiulian, Paul Robinson, Alex Johnson, Alexandra Johnson and Daniel Woods will all be in attendance, according to Jackie Holt, the Sports Backers’ PR manager. For mountain bike enthusiasts, Harrisonburg-based star Jeremiah Bishop will not be attendance, as he tries to qualify for the London Olympics. But Ryan Fawley, one of Trek’s regional riders, will be there. Last year Eric Jackson, founder of Jackson kayaks, was in attendance, winning the kayak freestyle race. He’ll be back again this year, along with Jackson Kayaks team member Courtney Kerin.

In other Riverrock news, the event was named the “Outstanding Locally Created Event/Program” by the National Association of Sports Commissions. The NASC made the announcement during its annual Sports Event Symposium in Hartford, Conn. on April 19. 

“Dominion Riverrock is an outstanding example of a locally created and produced event that has delivered excellent results for the host community. The Richmond Sports Backers richly deserve this award and the recognition coming with it. Perhaps most important, the event has plenty of room to grow,” said Don Schumacher, executive director of the National Association of Sports Commissions. 

The Outstanding Locally Created Event/Program award recognizes the event that has had the most outstanding impact on its local community based on the following criteria: 

• Level of success in meeting event/program objectives.
• Shelf life of the event/program (i.e. is it an annual event or program that can be held annually).
• Media coverage of the event/program including, but not limited to newspaper, radio, television, etc.
• Include typed statements of support from community organizations affected by your activities.

 A panel of association members reviewed all nominations. More than 350 cities are members of the NASC – the sports event industry’s leading networking organization.  Other submissions for Outstanding Locally Created Event/Program were for events and programs in Phoenix, Louisville, Cleveland, and Maryland.