David Belisle, a Little League coach from Cumberland, R.I., who was nominated for the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year, is among the speakers at the International Sports Heritage Association’s 45^th annual Conference in October in Williamsport, Pa. He was named as a 2014 National Federation of State High School Associations’ Coach of the Year.

Mr. Belisle became a national sensation after his emotional speech to his team after elimination from the 2014 Little League Baseball World Series. ESPN cameras followed as Coach Belisle took his team to the outfield for “the talk.” His inspiring words were heard by millions and resonated at all levels of sport.

His post-game speech went viral and prompted his nomination as Sportsman of the Year. It is featured in a You Tube video link here.

Mr. Belisle’s unwavering sportsmanship and ability to inspire not only his New England Region Championship team, but also millions of people around the world, was captured in a nomination essay written by SI’s Seth Davis.

“If Belisle’s Little League coaching career really is over, then it is fitting that he should go out with a loss. His words would have had far less meaning had they been delivered in the wake of a victory. Belisle was right when he said his boys should feel proud of what they had done, but as it turns out, he was right about the rest of us, too. We like sportsmen,” wrote Davis.

He was among 20 individuals nominated for this honor, which Sports Illustrated has bestowed since 1954. The recipients are some of the biggest names in sports, including Little League graduates Drew Brees, Derek Jeter, Brett Favre, and Carl Yastrzemski. Fittingly, in 1957, Stan Musial was honored as Sportsman of the Year.

While traveling the Road to Williamsport via Harrisburg, the state capital of Pennsylvania, Hershey, known as “the sweetest place on earth,” or Lancaster, attendees to the 45^th International Sports Heritage Association Conference (Oct. 21-23) may want to consider some side trips. There are a variety of options from museums to amusement parks, to hiking to horse racing and a casino, to the oldest settlement of Amish in the United States, to a wine quest, among others.

Additional information may be found at the following links:

• The National Civil War Museum, located in historic Harrisburg. http://www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org/
• The State Museum of Pennsylvania, which features more than 5 million artifacts that showcase the rich history of the state. http://statemuseumpa.org/
• Hershey Park, a theme park located 15 miles east of Harrisburg. http://www.hersheypark.com/
• Hershey Harrisburg Wine Country’s Cornucopia Wine Contest, a progressive festival held at 16 wineries. http://www.hersheyharrisburgwinecountry.com/signature-events/fall- -festival/
• Chocolate World in Hershey, including the Fall Flavors Festival on weekends. http://www.hersheys.com/chocolateworld/
• Antique Auto Club of America Museum. http://www.aacamuseum.org/
• Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course. http://www.hollywoodpnrc.com
• Pennsylvania Dutch Country. http://www.discoverlancaster.com/activities/amish-activities.asp
• Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse Show at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center. http://www.pafarmshowcomplex.com/Events-Schedule.aspx

The Green Bay Packers are one of the most storied franchises in the National Football League. Founded in 1919, the team has played in 51 postseason games, amassing 13 World Championships and 23 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinees. The team’s history is unfolded in the new 15,000sq. ft. Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame at historic Lambeau Field.

Through a prior working relationship, 1220 Exhibits of Nashville, Tennessee was called upon to outfit the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame with updated exhibits, scenic figures and artifacts to provide visitors an intimate and immersive experience with their favorite team. The Hall of Fame features 65 custom cases ranging from recessed, freestanding, cylinder and wall cases housing artifacts including Lombardi trophies, Brett Favre’s player contract, stockholder’s certificates and championship rings. 1220’s Artifact Specialist fabricated custom mounts to safely display each artifact.

1220’s Scenic capabilities are showcased in the “Discipline and Love” gallery with a recreation of Vince Lombardi’s office complete with a desk and telephone. The gallery also describes the 1967 Ice Bowl with two recreated figures clad in winter wear and a recreation of Dave Robinson huddled on a bench with a warm sideline cape along with audio recollections of the game. 1220’s Interactives department developed a breathing effect from the figures’ mouths with water vapor to emphasize the subzero temperatures that requires low maintenance and upkeep for the museum staff.

Another highlight, the “Excellence” gallery depicts the team’s Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinees complete with wall “locker” display cases and accompanying monitors featuring player highlights. Additional features of the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame include a theater, touchscreen interactives and graphics. The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame is set to open August 21^st.

With over 100,000 square feet production facility in Nashville, TN, 1220 provides breakthrough solutions for the fabrication and installation of exhibits, events, and experiences. Past clients range from history museums and nature centers, to sports and music halls of fame. For more information on how 1220 can make your vision a reality, contact 1-800-333-1220 or visit www.1220.com.

The British Golf Museum has re-opened its doors, following a year-long closure. Celebrating 25 years since it first opened in 1990, the 5 star Museum has undergone a major transformation at the hands of much acclaimed Richard Murphy Architects.  A new 80-seat café has been built on the Museum roof and a remodelled reception, shop and galleries also await visitors.

Edinburgh-based company, Campbell & Co., have re-designed some of the galleries, introducing a more contemporary feel and interactive focus.  With the 144^th Open Championship just around the corner, a special exhibition has been installed, highlighting the career of five-time winner, Tom Watson.

With panoramic views, taking in the 1^st tee of the Old Course and West Sands beach, the Café at the Museum will offer locally sourced produce and a Scottish menu, including an Afternoon Tea.  The Café at the Museum will be run by Ampersand Catering, whose prestigious portfolio includes the Palace of Holyrood House, London Zoo and Kensington Palace.

The Museum shop will now stock Official Open merchandise year round, alongside a selection of gifts for golfers and non-golfers alike.

Bill Black, Director at Richard Murphy Architects, said: “The design is conceived as a simple pavilion in the landscape.  The orientation of the café has been key to the design, maximising the views across the Old Course for the café visitors, whilst leaving uninterrupted views to the beach beyond for the adjacent existing buildings at the edge of the town.”

Angela Howe, Museum & Heritage Director commented: “The café, the re-designed galleries and shop herald a new chapter in the Museum’s history and we are excited by the direction we are going in.  The building has been transformed from a semi-hidden bunker to an elegant addition to the landscape.  The Museum has a stronger presence, which we hope will appeal to visitors and the local community.’’

The project has been completed with passion and precision by people who love the game and the town.  We hope locals and tourists alike will visit the new Museum and love all the changes as much as we do.  We look forward to welcoming you!  www.britishgolfmuseum.co.uk 01334460046

Notes to Editors

The British Golf Museum is a 5 star museum, situated at the heart of the home of golf in St Andrews.  Imaginative exhibitions and stunning multimedia bring to life over 500 years of golfing history.

For further information please contact:

Judy Chance – Museum Manager

01334 460051 (Direct line)

01334 460046 (Museum reception)

Email: [email protected]

Induction Ceremony:

The BC Sports Hall of Fame formally inducted its newest members on May 28^th at the Banquet of Champions. The event attended by over 700 people also trended Canada wide on Twitter, the first time for this event.

Athlete Category:

-Paul Kariya

-Denny Morrison

-Leah Pells

-Garett Hickling

-Shelley Winter Andrews

Builder Category:

-John Haar

-Denny Veitch

Pioneer Category:

-Duncan Campbell

Media Category:

-J. Paul McConnell

Team Category:

-BC Members of the 2012 Canadian Olympic Women’s Soccer Team

New Exhibits:

In Her Footsteps: Celebrating BC Women in Sport

In partnership with Promotion Plus, the City of Vancouver and ViaSport, In Her Footsteps was reopened to the public on July 8. The exhibits highlights more than 50 influential female leaders through an interactive touch screen component where visitors can look through photographs, videos and more to learn about the history and achievements of female athletes, coaches, officials, and builders in BC.

PANAMANIA: BC at the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games

Featuring artifacts, video and photographs stretching over a 60 year period, this 800 square foot exhibits covers the best performances by BC Athlete’s throughout the history of the games.  Featuring artifacts from both times the games were hosted in Canada in 1967 and 1999, as well as artifacts from great British Columbian athletes like Harry Jerome and Leslie Cliff, this exhibit will keep the PanAm spirit alive well after the games are over!

Knoxville, TN – The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame is proud to announce the launching of its new and improved responsive website: www.wbhof.com. The new site features an improved navigation bar that will make it easier for customers and women’s basketball fans to navigate and discover all the Hall of Fame has to offer. In addition, the new site features a fresh and clean design with higher quality images to make browsing simpler and more enjoyable. The website will be responsive and easy to use on any device from desktop computers to phones and tablets.

“As we are looking forward to our 18th year, we knew it was time for an updated website,” Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame President Dana Hart said. “We are always looking for new and improved ways to connect with our customers and women’s basketball fans, and we feel this new website will help us accomplish our mission for the future.”

The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame opened in June 1999 in Knoxville, TN. It is the only facility of its kind dedicated to all levels of women’s basketball. After the 2015 Induction, the list of individuals who have been recognized as Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inductees increased to 145.

The mission of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame is to “honor the past, celebrate the present, and promote the future” of women’s basketball.

KDM announces Patrick Armstrong as newest president

Patrick Armstrong has been named the newest President of the Kentucky Derby Museum, the fifth person to hold the title in the Museum’s 30 year history.  Armstrong comes to the Museum from the Kentucky Derby Festival where he spent the last 20 years, most recently as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Development. His tenure officially began Aug. 10, as he replaces the retiring Lynn Ashton. We welcome Patrick to our team!

September is Membership Month at the Kentucky Derby Museum

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Kentucky Derby Museum and to thank our loyal supporters, the Kentucky Derby Museum has dedicated the month of September as Membership Month. September will be a month full of fun and exclusive activities just for our Museum members! Museum members can earn a $5 gift card that is good for all of the Museum, including the Derby Café by referring a friend, family member or someone they feel would enjoy membership to the one and only Museum dedicated to the Kentucky Derby. As a perk for your referral, the new membership will start at just $40! Many fun events planned, including Night at the Racing, Night at the Museum and a special trip to Lexington!

Derby wardrobes from Victor Espionza, Monte Durham and Camille Anderson now on display at KDM

Exhibits around the Museum have recently been updated with wardrobes from well-known figures. Two-time defending Kentucky Derby winning jockey Victor Espinoza has loaned his pants from his most recent Derby victory aboard American Pharoah to the Museum, and are now on display in the Winner’s Circle Exhibit. Monte Durham, Fashion Director for TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress, and Camille Anderson, an actress and model, each have their attires from the most recent Derby on display in the “It’s my Derby” exhibit. Come by today to see these awesome additions!

KDM hangs American Pharoah Triple Crown Championship banner in Great Hall

For the first time since opening its doors in 1985, the Kentucky Derby Museum added a Triple Crown Championship banner to the rafters of the Great Hall. Joining the owner’s silks from the 11 other Triple Crown Champions, American Pharoah owner Zayat Stables is now permanently enshrined among Thoroughbred legends like Seattle Slew, Secretariat and Affirmed. The banner was hung in a special ceremony inside The Great Hall Aug. 3, two days following American Pharoah’s latest win in the Haskell Invitational.