Tyler council backs bid to host Games of Texas; no financial commitment required

Tyler’s City Council voted July 9 to adopt a resolution supporting the city’s inclusion in a bid package to host the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation’s Games of Texas, a multi-sport youth competition. The action was presented by Visit Tyler and representatives of the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF).

Mark Lord, executive director of the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation, told the council the federation is celebrating its 100th anniversary and described the Games as a statewide multi-sport event with sizable economic impacts. “Registration this morning, we’re at 19,126 currently,” Lord said, adding that the total event package can draw around 30,000 people including athletes and spectators. He said the Games had not previously been held in Northeast Texas.

LaNanda “Tutu” Brown, a local coach with Tav Sports who organizes local track meets, said organizers had worked with facility partners to limit costs to a host city. “We’ve already cut deals with some of the facilities that it would be no cost to the host city,” Brown said.

City staff clarified that the council’s approval is a nonbinding expression of support used to include Tyler in the federation’s bid packages and that no city financial commitment is required now. Council Member Haney moved to approve the resolution; Council Member Nichols seconded and the mayor called the motion carried by voice vote.

If the city is selected as host, the federation said the membership of municipal parks and recreation departments across the state ultimately votes to award the Games to a bidder. The presentation noted potential volunteer staffing needs and venue requirements across multiple sports.

The resolution directs staff to include the city in a bid package and to proceed with any nonfinancial preparations needed to submit by the federation’s deadline. Details about specific venue commitments, hosting costs, or a city funding plan were not specified during the meeting.