Committee transfers $20,000 to Cultivate Power to launch recurring jiu‑jitsu tournaments downtown

The steering committee approved a $20,000 allocation to Cultivate Power Fighting Arts to help seed the Feather River Grappling tournament series after an in‑person presentation by founder Garyl Thompson. The funding move was a reallocation from the downtown NOA pot and passed 4–1.

Garyl Thompson, who identified himself as a coach and a school‑board member, outlined a multi‑event plan: three tournaments a year starting with a downtown convention‑center date, recurring events timed with seasonal festivals, and a long‑term commitment to community reinvestment. “We’re looking at 4 to 500 competitors… you’re looking at drawing anywhere from 1,500 to 2,500 people per event,” Thompson said, and he estimated a conservative per‑event economic impact of $50,000–$75,000 depending on hotel stays and out‑of‑town visitors.

The applicant provided 122% matching funds for the proposal and said the Youth Forge nonprofit would receive 10% of proceeds to subsidize participation for low‑income youth. Committee members praised the potential for recurring tourism and youth services but asked clarifying questions about assumptions, scheduling and sustainability. Concerns about long‑term event staffing and facility availability were discussed; the applicant said he had a tentative hold on the convention center for 2027 and volunteers to stage the events.

Outcome: The committee approved a motion to transfer $20,000 into the Cultivate Power application; the motion passed by voice vote (4 yes, 1 no). Staff will notify the applicant about next steps and any further documentation needed before contracting.