For the Harris County–Houston Sports Authority (HCHSA), the impact of sports extends far beyond the playing field. It serves as a catalyst for economic growth, community connection, and global recognition. Over the past 25 years, HCHSA has positioned Houston as a premier sports destination, generating more than $1.2 billion in economic impact for the region in the last five years alone. Beyond direct spending and hotel occupancy and tourism revenue, HCHSA ensures that every major sporting event delivers both immediate economic returns and long-term community benefits through legacy programs that expand access, strengthen partnerships, and create lasting value for residents.
Expanding Access Through Adapted Sports
In July, Houston welcomed thousands of young athletes and families for the 2025 AAU Junior Olympic Games, one of the nation’s largest multi-sport youth events. Beyond the direct economic impact, which filled hotels and local attractions, the Games also highlighted inclusion through the Sports Authority Foundation’s Abilities In Motion (AIM) program.
A highlight of the week was the TIRR Memorial Hermann Junior Hotwheels Wheelchair Basketball Team exhibition race, which showcased the athleticism of Houston’s youth athletes with disabilities while raising funds to support adapted sports programs across the region. Proceeds from program sales and donations helped provide equipment, education and training, and athlete development, under the Foundation, HCHSA’s nonprofit arm.
HCHSA recognizes that inclusion is central to Houston’s sports culture. In October, AIM hosted its annual Adapted Sports Day with TIRR Memorial Hermann, offering adapted sports opportunities to youth and adults with physical disabilities. From wheelchair basketball to power soccer, the event celebrated resilience, teamwork, and community.
“This partnership has expanded tremendously. It’s amazing how many new individuals with a disability get exposed to the opportunity to play sport,” said Peggy Turner, Athletics Community Liaison and Adapted Sports and Recreation Coordinator at TIRR Memorial Hermann. “Events like Adapted Sports Day give our athletes a platform to learn, connect, and inspire others to see ability in every form.”
Through initiatives like these, HCHSA ensures that major sporting events such as the AAU Junior Olympic Games leave more than an economic footprint. They build a legacy of access, inclusion, and community connection that strengthens Houston’s position as a region where sports unite everyone.
Inspiring the Next Generation Through BMX and STEM
Events like the USA BMX Lone Star Nationals do more than attract visitors and boost local business. They also create opportunities for education and youth development. Since 2019, HCHSA’s partnership with USA BMX has connected competition with classroom learning, introducing more than 12,000 students across six school districts to the science of sports through hands-on STEM programming.
The BMX 101 and STEM Track Building programs combine classroom learning with physical activity. BMX 101 engages more than 3,500 K-3 students across 14 campuses in Humble ISD, Spring ISD, and Houston ISD, helping children build confidence, coordination, and an appreciation for staying active. The STEM Track Building program challenges students to design and construct their own model BMX tracks, turning lessons in physics and teamwork into a hands-on experience that has reached nearly 2,800 students across 20 schools.
The initiative also includes the BMX Lone Star Nationals Assembly Program, where professional rider Justin Posey and the USA BMX team bring live demonstrations and science experiments directly into schools, connecting more than 6,000 students across four districts.
“These programs show the ripple effect of hosting premier sporting events,” said Ryan Walsh, CEO of the Harris County–Houston Sports Authority. “They remind us that the power of sports reaches far beyond the game; it builds confidence, teamwork, and lifelong curiosity.”
Houston Loves Teachers: A Championship Legacy
The College Football Playoff National Championship left a lasting legacy for Houston’s educators. In collaboration with the College Football Playoff Foundation, Good Reason Houston, and the Houston 2024 Host Committee, HCHSA launched the Houston Loves Teachers campaign to celebrate and support educators who shape Houston’s future. The initiative focuses on recruiting exceptional teachers and helping current educators thrive through recognition, professional development, and resources. Since its inception, the campaign has impacted more than 30,000 teachers across Greater Houston.
During the 2024 National Championship, teachers were front and center with access to the HLT Lounge, Trophy Trot road race, and Extra Yard Makeover program, which renovated six local schools with upgraded libraries, media labs, and art rooms.
Corporate and civic partners also played an important role. Chevron contributed $160,000 for classroom supplies, Commissioner Tom Ramsey awarded $75,000 to top-performing teachers, and AT&T and Compudopt provided 500 refurbished laptops to Milby High School students, expanding digital access and opportunity.
Beyond the classroom, Houston Loves Teachers has become a year-round movement, appearing at local sporting events and continuing to champion educators, ensuring the impact of the College Football Playoff endures long after the final whistle.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 FIFA World Cup Legacy
As Houston prepares for FIFA World Cup 26™, HCHSA is focused on maximizing both economic return and community benefit. Through Impact Houston 26™, a collaboration between the FIFA World Cup 26™ Houston Host Committee and the Sports Authority Foundation, legacy initiatives are underway to ensure this once-in-a-generation event leaves a lasting impact across the region. Impact Houston 26™ is built around three pillars: Sustainability, Human Rights, and Grow the Game.
The Sustainability initiatives pave the way for a brighter future for residents and visitors alike. The Green Corridor, a transformative network of infrastructure and experiences, will connect major venues and community hubs across Downtown, EaDo, and NRG Park. It will feature biking and walking paths enhanced with shade structures, water refill stations, and renewable power sources.
The Human Rights efforts underway reinforce Houston’s commitment to inclusion and equity by creating toolkits and frameworks designed to mitigate labor exploitation and human trafficking, promote responsible contracting, prioritize event and transportation accessibility, and educate the community on free speech.
The Grow the Game pillar aims to expand access to soccer in the region’s diverse neighborhoods through field developments, youth programs, clinics, and tournaments that train the next generation of players, coaches, and referees.
Together, these initiatives reflect Houston’s collective vision to leverage the FIFA World Cup 26™ as a catalyst for progress and inspiration that extends beyond the tournament itself. As the world turns its attention to Houston and Harris County, the region is not only preparing to host the world’s biggest sporting event but also to demonstrate how the power of sport can strengthen communities, elevate opportunity, and shape a legacy that lasts for generations.
