The City of Santa Clarita is proud to announce Santa Clarita will host the 2009 Western States Police & Fire Games (WSPFG) from June 13 though June 20, 2009.
The WSPFG is expected to attract approximately 7,000 competitors who will compete in more than 50 different events, ranging from golf, track and field, boxing, and weight lifting to swimming, karate, soccer, sailing, and water polo. These events will be staged throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, as well as neighboring cities like Castaic and Fillmore. Event organizers anticipate an economic impact of $10 million dollars to Santa Clarita businesses from the week-long event.
“The City of Santa Clarita and its businesses have worked to position Santa Clarita as one of Southern California’s leading destinations. The Western States Police and Fire Games is the type of event we want to continue to bring to our community because of the significant economic impact and visibility among our target market,” said City of Santa Clarita Mayor Marsha McLean.
The City of Santa Clarita’s Arts and Events and Tourism Offices worked with Los Angeles County Sheriff and Fire representatives for more than nine months, providing an overview of the community and its offerings, assisting with site visits, and preparing the official bid. Officials with the WSPFG Federation and the California Police Athletic Federation awarded the bid to Santa Clarita at the 2007 WSPFG in Mesa, AZ earlier this month.
“I am confident the City of Santa Clarita was the best Southern California city to host the 2009 games,” said Sergeant Jonna Wiltshire, a member of the 2009 games planning commission.
“I know Santa Clarita is an ideal host city, providing an unmatched venue for the event’s guests, competitors and spectators, and continuing the tradition of excellence that defines the Western State Police and Fire Games.”
Just 30 minutes north of Los Angeles, the Santa Clarita Valley is located between the Santa Susana, San Gabriel, and Tehachapi mountains. Comprising an area of 55 square miles at an average elevation of 1,200 feet, the City enjoys a mild temperate climate with an average high of 77 degrees.
Home to Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor, the Santa Clarita Valley also boasts several world-class golf courses, a beautiful Town Center Drive complete with specialty boutiques and eateries and historic points of interest like the William S. Hart Museum, Melody Ranch Motion Picture Museum and Mentryville. The destination includes four distinctive communities, which include Canyon Country, Newhall, Saugus and Valencia, and is only minutes from nearby Castaic, Fillmore, Oxnard, Santa Paula, and Ventura.
For additional information about Santa Clarita, including details about annual events and year-round attractions, please visit www.VisitSantaClarita.com or contact the Tourism Office at (661) 286-4084.
