Playing games on vacation

In their previous incarnation, the Western States Police and Fire Games typically attracted 5,000 to 6,000 participants.

So how does Cory Alan Forgue figure to double that number in July, when the games come to Reno for the first time? Phone calls.

Lots of phone calls to every police and fire agency through the West.And a fine-tuned marketing pitch designed to woo participants into bringing their families for a multi-day vacation during the games.

The event, previously known as the California Police and Fire Games, is expected to generate tens of thousands of room nights for hotels in the Reno-Sparks area during its weeklong run from July 23-30.

That's right before Hot August Nights, and it's a week that's been dark for special events.

Forgue, who's been freed from his duties as a Washoe County Sheriff 's deputy to work fulltime as the games' administrative coordinator, is sharply focused on nearly doubling the 5,500 participants at the event in Stockton, Calif., last year.

"Ten thousand.

That's the goal.

We're going to get 10,000," he says.

Participants, he knows, already are deep into practice for events that range from boxing and flag football to weightlifting and shooting.

In all, about 65 events are on tap.

But Forgue figures he can boost participation even further by positioning the games' location in Reno as an opportunity for a vacation.

He's arranged, for instance, for tours of Reno and Lake Tahoe through Tahoe Reno Experience of Incline Village for families of participants.

And he's working hard to get registration information for the games out early while vacation schedules are still flexible for law enforcement officers and firefighters.

The region, Forgue says, should see an economic pop from the Western States Police and Fire Games.

"We're talking about a lot of people who make good money and spend money," he says.

Equally important, Forgue says the event is a chance for the Reno area to demonstrate its ability to host a major sporting event and begin to attract more of them.

Jeff Beckelman, president and chief executive officer of the Reno Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, agrees.

"This is an opportunity for Reno-Tahoe to showcase our adventure sports and the great facilities to hold all the outdoor and indoor athletic events during the games," Beckelman said last week.

In the meantime, what does Forgue need from the business community? Volunteers.

Because the games will need at least 1,200 during their week-long run.

And Forgue also looks to raise contributions, either cash or in-kind.

He can be reached at 334-2496 or via e-mail at forgue@ci.reno.nv.us.