Sports and Events
The Sports and Events division of the Guam Visitors Bureau’s Destination Management team is committed to identifying, advocating and further developing Guam’s sports tourism as a tool for promoting Guam to our visitors, and at the same time encourage the development of Guam’s local athletes. Events range from sporting activities, beauty pageants, memorial ceremonies to include a candlelight vigil and golf tournament held in support of relief efforts for victims and survivors of the Great East Tahoku tsunami and earthquake disaster in Japan.
In FY2011, the GVB remained strong in support of organized local community sports events, attractions and programs that continue to attract local community participation and visitors alike, thereby enriching the visitor experience through cultural understanding and social interaction. Sports tourism programs supported both local and overseas teams during events such as training camps, friendship tournaments and international competitions. Over $130,000 was awarded to various on-island non-profit organizations to assist in the development and promotion of such programs.
GVB signature events such as the Guam Ko’Ko Road Race and the Guam Micronesia Island Fair attract participants from throughout Micronesia, Asia and the United States.
In addition to GVB signature events, each year the Bureau supports the Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association (GHRA) to execute events such as the GHRA Governors Tourism Cup, Jingle Bell 5K Fun Run and the Tropical Fantasy Fireworks display held New Years Eve.
Guam Micronesia Island Fair
The Guam Micronesia Island Fair is the annual signature cultural event of the Guam Visitors Bureau, showcasing the vibrant cultures of Micronesia. This year’s theme, Celebrating 25 Years of Unity Through Culture, commemorates and reinforces the solidarity we have shared through our arts and traditions for a quarter century now.
Experience the culture and arts of Micronesia in one exciting weekend this October 5, 6 and 7 at the 25th Guam Micronesia Island Fair. Known for the best diving in the world and just a few short hours from Asia are thousands of islands that span the west Pacific, known as Micronesia.
Guam Ko'ko' Road Race
The Guam Ko’ko’ Road Race is Guam’s elite ekiden relay and half-marathon, so named to raise awareness of the plight of Guam’s territorial bird, the Guam rail or ko’ko’. A flightless bird endemic to Guam, the ko’ko’ population was decimated to near extinction by the brown tree snake, pesticides and other introduced detractors. Efforts to save the ko’ko’ from extinction are ongoing and public awareness and community involvement inspired by events such as the Road Race have made a remarkable impact. A signature visitor attraction, the race was first held in 2006 and participant numbers and prestige have grown with each succeeding year.