Ottawa, ON - Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance CEO Rick Traer was bestowed the title of Honorary President at the meeting of FIBA Americas last weekend in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The award recognizes significant contributions to the development of the basketball in the Americas.

The recognition caps a 14 year involvement for Traer on the Executive Committee at the continental level of the basketball governing body, which included six years as President from 2000-2006. He is the first Canadian to have held the position. He also served eight years as a member of the FIBA Americas Executive Committee. Traer previously held a variety of positions at Basketball Canada over a period of 11 years, including eight years as Executive Director from 1989-97. He presided over four international basketball competitions held in Canada, including the 1991 FIBA World Junior Championships (Edmonton), 1994 FIBA World Championships (Toronto, Hamilton), 1995 FIBA Americas Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament (Hamilton) and the 2004 FIBA Americas U-21 Qualifying Tournament (Halifax).

“I feel very fortunate to have had an opportunity to contribute to the growth of basketball both in Canada and within the Americas,” said Traer. “The future of the sport is in excellent hands domestically under the leadership of Michele O’Keefe and Wayne Parrish at Canada Basketball and at the continental level under the leadership of President Usie Richards and Secretary General Alberto Garcia.”

Traer has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance since its inception in November 2000, overseeing the exponential growth of the $3.6 billion domestic sport tourism industry and Canada’s present ranking as the #2 host nation internationally.

-30-

About the CSTA
The Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance is a member driven, non-governmental organization that promotes sport tourism as a key economic driver at the community level. Formed in 2000 with 18 founding municipal members, the CSTA now services over 400 members across Canada, including 140 municipalities, 200 national/provincial sport, multi-sport and major games organizations and variety of other sport and tourism industry partners.

For more information:
Krista Benoit, Director of Marketing
Tel: 819-682-5298
kbenoit@canadiansporttourism.com