For the City Times

This April, the Wisconsin Rapids Area Sports Commission honored Jim Arnold with the 2016 MVP Award.

Speakers for the evening included Morgan Vanderhei, Chair of the Wisconsin Rapids Area Sports Commission and Marketing Associate for the Wisconsin Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as Laura Nelson, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. The content of the speeches revealed what those who know Jim Arnold personally were already well aware of, he has a passion for the growth and success of our area sports organizations and our community.

Jim Arnold has worked at the South Wood County Recreation Center for over 15 years and though his title, Rink Manager, he wears many hats. Jim began in this position with part-time/seasonal facility maintenance duties, and although he still oversees the well-being of the property, his passion for the well-being of the people within it takes precedence. Now, Jim is in demand full time/year round, and his passion for youth development through sports is evident in everything he does. Jim’s acceptance speech was an obvious reflection of his attitude and interactions within his role; humble, grateful, and thorough in recognizing the talents of others.

The South Wood County Recreation Center is home to the Wisconsin Rapids Red Raiders Hockey Team, South Wood County Youth Hockey Association, Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings, and Wisconsin Rapids Figure Skating Club. In addition, the South Wood County Recreation Center hosts Tri-City Curling Club events, Flyball Tournaments and much more! No matter what is happening at the South Wood County Recreation Jim immerses himself in order to make sure it is successful!

The Wisconsin Rapids Area Sports Commission is an arm of the Wisconsin Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Wisconsin Rapids Area Sports Commission provides a forum for leaders in our athletic community who are passionate about promoting our area as a sports destination. The purpose of the MVP Award is to honor those who understand and leverage the impact of sports on the tourism industry, local economy and our community. Past recipients of the MVP Award are: Bob Atkinson (Nekoosa Legion Baseball), Mike and Lynn Swanson (Tri-City Curling Club), Mark and Kris Statz (Central Wisconsin BMX), Dan and Maggie Muleski (Wisconsin Rapids Aqua Skiers) and Liz Kern (Wisconsin Rapids Rafters).