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Water Bottle Special for May
You can help support Global Sports Alliance USA by purchasing one of our reusable stainless steel water bottles. We are giving a fantastic discount on them in May. See the article below.

ARIZONA Upcoming Events

2009 El Tour de Tucson – please register through GSA
The Global Sports Alliance USA will be one of the charitable agencies benefiting from the 27th El Tour de Tucson to be held on Saturday, November 21, 2009. Preparations are on the way for this cycling event which attracts more than 9,000 cyclists from around the US and the world.

Please show your support for sports and the environment by registering to ride for the Global Sports Alliance USA. To benefit GSA-USA riders must register using our application form, available on our website by May 20, 2009.

Indoor El Tour
Global Alliance USA is also planning to take part in the Indoor El Tour de Tucson on Saturday, November 14, 2009. This will be a terrific opportunity for riders that want to be part of El Tour but have a limited amount of time to ride or feel more comfortable riding on a stationary bike. The Global Sports Alliance USA benefits from this ride as well, so please register directly with us on our website. The registration form will be available by May 20, 2009.

NEW YORK Upcoming Sports Events

Our Global Sports Alliance partners at Bear Mountain State Park are hosting an exciting event. We have 1,000 athletes coming from around the USA to participate in either a 50 mile/50K/Half Marathon or 10K trail run, on May 9, 2009. It will test trail running athletes with demanding terrain while treating them to the magnificent scenery of the Hudson Highlands. Volunteers are needed to help with the event. The ecoflag will fly in celebration of spring in the Highlands. Nick Moore, Event Director for the North Face Endurance Challenge invites you to come on out, volunteer and join us for what promises to be an incredible day. Spread the word. You can contact the volunteer coordinator, Joshua Gold, at josh@pushhard.com or GSA-USA New York Team Captain, Kevin Trotta at Turfipmguy@aol.com. Each volunteer will not only get to see/and be a part of the largest trail running series in the United States but all volunteers will receive: $25.00 TNF gift certificate, event t-shirt, free athlete hot meal, and free parking at the event.

What we did in April 2009

Tucson’s Urban Assault Ride
Our volunteers had a blast at the inaugural Urban Assault Ride in Tucson on Sunday, April 19th. Fun was had by all riders and observers. GSA USA was pleased to be a beneficiary of the event. This action packed funky bicycling scavenger hunt was a huge success for the first time in the Southwest desert. The event organizers really know how to bring excitement and festivities to cycling. The best part was that there were many sustainable activities taking place throughout the event. This was definitely a green sporting event with recycling, 90% waste diversion, solar-powered PA and inflatable obstacle, and 100’s of riders made commitments to ride their bikes for transportation through Team Wonderbike.

Earth Day at the University of Arizona Block Party
Global Sports Alliance also took part in the University of Arizona’s Earth Day Block Party. This event was entirely student planned and organized by Associated Students of the University of Arizona Sustainability and AZ PIRG (Arizona Student Public Interest Research Group). This was the perfect opportunity for us to bring awareness to the student community about the direct connection between sports and the environment. Students of all ages commented on the need for environmental awareness in sports and were thrilled that we are working towards the greening of sporting events as well as community education on the need for sustainability in sports.

Jame Carney first at Tour de Tucson Mountain Ride
Sporting the GSA USA eco-jersey, GSA-USA Navigator Jame Carney of Tucson crosses the finish line to win the 70 mile Tour of the Tucson Mountains ride on Sunday with an official time of 2:46:09. “These events are usually won by who gets to the last turn first.” Carney said. He was right. Carney claimed his second Tour of the Tucson Mountains ahead of more than 1,000 cyclists participating. Refer to the News in the Media section of our website for the full Tucson Citizen article.

GSA-USA New York Article
GSA-New York is marking Earth Day by publishing “Green Opportunity” in the April issue of Sports Turf magazine. In it Team Captain Kevin Trotta introduces the Ecoflag, describes recent GSA-USA collaborations and promotes environmental leadership in the management of sports facilities.

Sports Eco-Tip

Spring is here! Water is essential for both sports enthusiasts and the environment. Temperatures are rising so hydration is important.

Water tips: Purchase one or more reusable sports bottles for your sporting activities rather than the case of plastic water bottles from your local warehouse. This will save you money and reduce the amount of plastic in the environment. Also, when visiting your favorite café, think about bringing your own mug or insulated cup. This reduces the number of paper cups and sleeves going into the trash. It also helps your wallets since cafes give patrons a discount for bringing their own cup.

For those of you who workout at a gym, take a look around at the water consumption. Are there automatic faucets or low flow shower heads in the locker room? Are there signs that ask members to conserve water by remembering who workout at a gym, take a look around at the water consumption. Are there automatic faucets or low flow shower to turn off the faucet or limit their time in the shower? Not all gyms have an environmental plan in place and it would be a great time to open that dialogue.

To purchase at the non-donation sale price mail your check to 3481 East Michigan Street, Tucson, AZ., 85714.

Spotlights

Kevin Trotta, New York Team Captain, was applauded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a champion from New York. He was given the Environmental Quality Award for his efforts to protect the environment. As a steward he has gone above and beyond for environmental change in his local community. GSA is extremely proud of his contributions. Thank you Kevin.

There is a new face at Global Sports Alliance USA Headquarters in Tucson. Connie Rae Swenson has joined the staff as Director of Promotions and Community Relations. She will also head up the fundraising effort. Connie’s email address is connie@gsa-usa.org.

TEAM CAPTAINS work with eco-player teams in cities around the United States of America to inspire local sports facilities, events, clubs, and other non-profits and schools to promote environmental awareness and action through sport. Please contact dina@gsa-usa.org if you would like to become a Team Captain in your local area. Some of the exciting projects the Team Captain and their eco-player teams may assist with your community are protecting and rebuilding nature, promoting reduction and reuse of products, saving energy and resources, and hopefully involve families and neighborhoods to plant gardens, start donation drives or clean up a section of the community.

Global Sports Alliance USA is looking to register Team Captains in your community and in your specific sport. Please contact the Green Sporting Events Coordinator, Dina Delaney at dina@gsa-usa.org for more information on what it means to be a Team Captain and how you can contribute to environmental awareness in your sports community.