Takac: Happy Valley Adventure Bureau secures more than $93,000 for support of Ironman Triathlon in Centre County
Rep. Paul Takac November 15, 2024 | 2:21 PM
STATE COLLEGE, Nov. 15 – Centre County’s tourism bureau has secured more than $93,000 in state funding for the bureau’s support of the 2024 Ironman 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley Triathlon, state Rep. Paul Takac announced today.
Takac said that the funding for Happy Valley Adventure Bureau – secured through the Department of Community and Economic Development – provided important funding to ensure the event’s success and provides great return on investment.
“Major sporting events aren’t just exciting for our community, they’re also a great economic driver,” Takac said. “This summer’s Ironman Triathlon in Centre County attracted more than 1,500 participants, families and supporters to appreciate all our region has to offer and to patronize local shops, restaurants and hotels.
“Our region’s ability to successfully host major events like the Ironman Triathlon depends on the coordinated efforts of talented state, county and local partners,” Takac said. “Happy Valley Adventure Bureau and Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance are a key part of that success. I’m grateful to them for all their work and to DCED for this funding, which provides an important stimulus to help power these efforts.
“As a previous Ironman competitor and supporter of this series in Centre County, I’m thrilled to see this event, which showcases so much of what our community has to offer.”
Eric Engelbarts, executive director of Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance, said,
“The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau and Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance are grateful to Governor Shapiro’s administration and Representative Paul Takac for their support of the 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley Triathlon. This investment not only generates significant economic impact for our local businesses and broader community, but also highlights Centre County as a premier destination for major sporting events.”
Takac said the funding was secured through DCED’s Sports Marketing and Tourism Account Program. More about the program is available here: https://dced.pa.gov/programs/sports-marketing-and-tourism-program-smat/.
More about the funding awarded statewide is available here: https://dced.pa.gov/newsroom/shapiro-administration-invests-5-million-to-support-major-sporting-events-in-pennsylvania-boost-tourism-industry/.