About the Great Lakes Sports Commission
Building Northern Michigan Through Sports
GLSC connects facilities, events, partners and investment to strengthen communities and create sustainable economic opportunity across northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.
Who We Are
A regional sports development organization with an economic mission
The Great Lakes Sports Commission is a nonprofit organization serving the 36-county northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula region. We work with communities, sports organizations, tourism leaders, businesses and public partners to strengthen the sports assets that make the region distinctive—and to turn those assets into lasting economic and community impact.
Our Mission
Advance northern Michigan’s economy and quality of life by strengthening sports facilities, supporting impactful events and connecting partners who can move regional opportunities forward.
Our Vision
A northern Michigan region where strong facilities, high-quality events and collaborative investment create year-round opportunity for athletes, residents, visitors and communities.
Our Values
How we approach the work
Regional Impact
We prioritize opportunities that strengthen communities and create benefits beyond a single event or project.
Partnership
We bring public, private and nonprofit partners together around shared goals and practical solutions.
Stewardship
We take seriously the responsibility to deploy public and private resources where they can create durable value.
Opportunity
We expand access to quality sports experiences, stronger facilities and the economic benefits that follow.
Our Story
Built on a long tradition of sports excellence
Northern Michigan has hosted national and international sports competition for decades. GLSC’s roots reach back to the region’s Olympic training legacy and the original Great Lakes Sports Commission, while today’s organization was reestablished to help communities build the facilities, events and partnerships needed for the next generation of sports development.
Northern Michigan University became an Olympic Training Center site, establishing a lasting regional connection to elite athlete development.
The original Great Lakes Sports Commission was created to support the Great Lakes Sports Training Center and strengthen the region’s sports infrastructure.
State legislation provided new investment and established the northern Michigan Tourism and Sports Fund, helping launch the modern GLSC mission.
GLSC serves communities across 36 counties, investing in facilities, events and partnerships that position northern Michigan for sustainable growth.
Our Model
From project support to sustainable regional growth
Our goal is not simply to fund individual projects. We help create a reinforcing cycle in which strategic investment strengthens facilities and events, attracts visitors and partners, generates regional value and supports future opportunities.
Staff
Leading the work across the region
Board of Directors
Regional leadership and perspective
GLSC is guided by leaders representing business, education, tourism, athletics, tribal communities and regional development across northern Michigan.
See the work across northern Michigan
Explore the facilities, events and partnerships that are turning sports development into regional economic opportunity.