NORFOLK, Va. - Commissioner Dennis E. Thomas of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) was recognized as the 2013 recipient of the Tourism Works for Norfolk Award presented by VisitNorfolk and the Norfolk Tourism Research Foundation.
“I am honored to be recognized as the 2013 recipient of the Tourism Works for Norfolk Award,” said Commissioner Dennis Thomas. “I accept this award on behalf of our Council of Chief Executive Officers, our 13 member institutions, the MEAC staff, all athletic and academic staffs, our alumni, fans and supporters, and everyone who played a role in not only bringing this tournament to the City of Norfolk but working to ensure its success.”
“I would further like to recognize Mayor Paul Fraim, the City Council, Norfolk City Manager Marcus Jones and the other city staff for embracing and supporting the basketball tournament.”
Commissioner Thomas was honored during the 13th Annual Celebration of Success Luncheon & Annual Meeting on Thursday, September 19 at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott.
The annual MEAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament features all 13 member institutions including local institutions Hampton University and Norfolk State University.
Norfolk, Virginia was named the host city for three years beginning with 2013 through 2015. All tournament games are held at the Norfolk Scope Arena. Additional ancillary events including the annual Cheerleading Championship and post-game concerts and parties also make up the overall festivities of the tournament experience.
The MEAC Men and Women’s Basketball Tournament is a single elimination championship playoff that involves Division I historically black colleges and universities located across the Atlantic coastline: Bethune-Cookman, Coppin State, Delaware State, Florida A&M, Hampton, Howard, Maryland Eastern Shore, Morgan State, Norfolk State, North Carolina A&T State, North Carolina Central, Savannah State, and South Carolina State.
The tournament is played at the Norfolk Scope Arena in Virginia. Both the men’s and women’s champion will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
About Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia is a city of some 242,803 residents and more than 100 diverse neighborhoods. It is the cultural, educational, business and medical center of Hampton Roads, hosts the world's largest naval base, the region's international airport and is one of the busiest international ports on the East Coast of the United States. The city is undergoing a successful renewal, including new office, retail, entertainment and new residential development along the rivers and bay front, and revitalization projects in many of its neighborhoods. Norfolk's residents and city officials have long supported sports programs at all levels.
About VisitNorfolk
VisitNorfolk is the official Destination Marketing Organization for the City of Norfolk. VisitNorfolk, a non-profit organization is dedicated to enhancing the role of travel and tourism in our economy by producing high volumes of both leisure and convention visitors, tax revenues and travel related jobs in Norfolk. VisitNorfolk also provides the resources and tools to ensure our visitors stay in Norfolk is both a productive and enjoyable one. For more information, visitnorfolktoday.com or call 800-368-3097. #Norfolk, Virginia