ALL IN SPORT CONSULTING IS EXCITED TO SHARE RECENT NEWS!

Report Demonstrates Consistent Growth of Adapted Sport Industry in U.S. Economy, Survey Respondents Anticipate Continued Boost from LA28 Paralympic Games

DENVER — Nov. 13, 2024 — The total economic impact of adapted and para sport-related events nationwide totaled approximately $143.9 million in 2023, according to the adapted sport industry’s preeminent economic impact study conducted by All In Sport Consulting in partnership with Stitch Marketing Research and Huddle Up Group (HUG). The latest economic impact results demonstrate an increase of approximately 3.45 percent over last year’s findings, reflecting consistent growth of the industry in the U.S. The findings were announced at the 5^th Annual Adapted Sport Leadership & Business Symposium (LABS), a two-day virtual conference presented by All In Sport Consulting on Nov. 6 and 7.

“The findings from this year’s economic impact study demonstrate the continued growth of the adapted sport industry and fortify the business case for adapted sport events, which benefit both the athletes who compete in their respective sports and the hosting communities,” said Dawna Callahan, founder and chief executive officer of All In Sport Consulting. “When we established the first economic impact report four years ago, we set out to measure the true economic footprint of the adapted sport industry. Since then, the data we’ve gathered support the adapted sport and disability community as the formidable economic force that we are and our place in sport business conversations.”

Study organizers conducted the first-ever economic impact study for the adapted sport industry in 2020, reflecting pre-pandemic activity from 2019. The inaugural study reported an annual economic impact for adapted sport events ranging from approximately $80.5 to $134.2 million. A follow-up study in 2022 reported an annual economic impact of $77.8 million for 2021 events. In 2023, the study reported an economic impact totaling $139.1 million, an increase of approximately 78 percent over the previous report, demonstrating a strong post-pandemic recovery for 2022 events. The latest study reported continued growth with a total economic impact of more than $143.9 million, reflecting data from 2023 events.

“Since the study began, we’ve seen growing participation from organizations wanting their voices heard,” said Nate Heckman, President of Stitch Marketing Research. “Adapted sport organizations have been instrumental in helping us capture a more accurate picture of the industry’s economic significance, providing communities with compelling business reasons to host events and building robust support for competing athletes.”

For this year’s study, organizers collected detailed expenditure and budget data between July 17 and Oct. 2, 2024, from a sampling of U.S.-based adapted sport entities to capture and project the economic power of the national adapted sports industry. Organizers emailed surveys to 292 contacts representing 207 organizations. Data from 44 organizations are included in the report.

Study Highlights:

• The organizations represented in the survey account for approximately 14 percent of the total number of adapted sport organizations in the U.S. market.
• The average economic impact of adapted sport and para events (only) from reporting organizations totaled $12,529,729 in 2023.
• Therefore, the total economic impact of adapted sport and para events can be extrapolated at approximately $143,996,966 annually.
• The study also found that adapted sport organizations are excited about the increased visibility and awareness the LA28 Paralympic Games will bring to the Paralympic movement in the U.S.
• The Paralympic Games are seen as a catalyst for growth in athlete participation, volunteerism, and sponsorship. Organizations also see the Games as an opportunity to showcase Paralympic athletes and their capabilities to a wider audience.

“This is the fourth consecutive year the Huddle Up Group team has worked with the Adapted Sports LABS conference to report on the economic impact of the adapted sports industry,” said Cole McKeel, Vice President of Partnerships with the Huddle Up Group. “Factoring in the impact of local participants, day-traveler participants, and overnight participants, it is evident that adapted sports are a thriving part of the sports tourism industry. Our consulting work shows communities across the country are placing more of an emphasis on these events and for great reason.”

The findings from the “Adapted Sport: Economic Impact Survey Findings Report” were announced for the first time during “The Economic Impact of Disability Inclusion in Sport and Across the Community – Expanding the Business Case” session at Adapted Sport LABS on Thursday, Nov. 7. The full report is available for download here. The study was established by All In Sport Consulting and is sponsored by Richmond Region Tourism and the Tempe Tourism Office.

About All In Sport Consulting

All In Sport Consulting is a Denver-based consulting firm that works with organizations to create life-changing opportunities for people with disabilities through adaptive sport. Through services including strategic planning, adaptive sport program management and implementation, and training and education, All In Sport helps organizations ensure they are in the best position to create opportunities for all who want to experience the power of sport.

About Huddle Up Group

Founded in 2012 as a sports tourism industry consulting company, the Huddle Up Group has a successful track record of leading sports organizations through strategic growth and increased community collaboration. The Huddle Up team has extensive experience in building cohesive organizations and external relationships while collaborating with volunteer boards, donors, elected officials, hospitality community leaders, and various corporate partners.

About Stitch Marketing Research

Founded in 2007, Southern California-based Stitch Marketing Research is a marketing intelligence consultancy, delivering insights on your marketplace and what moves it. Stitch MR’s unique proposition: a discovery process that evolves from the creation of new intelligence through new research. Stitch MR brings the human equation to the front and center of the marketing and strategy disciplines. We’re not just about cold numbers. Stitch Marketing Research delivers strategic insight to a wide range of organizations, from Fortune 100 to start-up, from automotive and healthcare to higher education and sports and fitness.