As a sports tourism kid myself, and someone who has spent my life in competitive sport training, traveling, and ultimately competing at the highest levels, I’ve seen firsthand the critical role that sports tourism plays in shaping young athletes. The events, the venues, the cities, the memories traveling around with mom and dad, all of these become part of a young athlete’s story. And when I took the stage in Tulsa, that’s exactly what I wanted to highlight: the power of sport, and more specifically, the power of those behind the scenes who make these events possible.
The Story Behind The Lessons
With three days of programming planned, I was asked to keep my keynote focused on inspiration and storytelling. I didn’t want to just deliver a motivational speech, I wanted to create a moment of connection. I wanted to take the audience back to when they were kids, dreaming big, playing their sport, and maybe even competing in events just like the ones they now organize or support. And I wanted to bridge that memory with the present, to show them how they’re helping to build the dreams of the next generation. I did that using my own personal experience.
I spoke about the towns and cities that hosted events I competed in as a young BMX rider. Places like Albuquerque, Louisville, Rock Hill, Sarasota, Oldsmar, Dallas, Seattle, and of course, Tulsa. These were more than pins on a map to me; they were milestones on my journey. Each one had their own unique memories, times with family, and lessons learned. They all contributed to the rider (and the person) I would eventually become. I know I’m not alone in that. Every athlete has those cities, events, and moments that helped shape them, and it’s the people behind the scenes who make those experiences possible.
That was the heart of my message: that every tournament, every event, every championship no matter the size or sport, is a potential life-changing moment for a kid somewhere. It might be the first time they stand on a podium, or the first time they fly across the country to compete. It might even be the first time they dare to believe they can go all the way. And none of that happens without the passion and dedication of the professionals in the sports tourism industry. This was a truly special keynote for me.
BMX Racing, Up Close and Personal
After the formal programming wrapped up, the Symposium hosted an after party at the USA BMX Headquarters and Hall of Fame right there in Tulsa. If you’ve never been, let me tell you it’s a world-class facility and a perfect setting to share the magic of BMX with newcomers. Attendees were treated to private demonstrations by riders of all ages, showing off the energy, athleticism, and spirit that define our sport.
It was amazing to watch people from all corners of the country light up as they witnessed BMX in action—many for the very first time. There’s something undeniably powerful about watching a kid, helmet on, eyes focused, flying down the track. It’s raw, it’s real, and it reminds you why we all fell in love with sport in the first place.
For me personally, it was also a chance to engage one-on-one with attendees—to answer questions, hear their stories, and continue the conversations that began during my keynote. We talked about motivation, about purpose, about the drive it takes to reach the top and the support systems that help make that journey possible. And of course, we talked a lot about BMX: the training, the travel, the adrenaline, and the lifelong friendships it creates. I enjoyed sharing personal stories of the towns and cities where many of them worked.
Why It Mattered
Being part of the Sports ETA Symposium wasn’t just a speaking gig. It was a full-circle moment. I stood on that stage not just as an Olympian or a world champion, but as someone whose life was shaped by the very people I was speaking to. The organizers, the planners, the venue managers, the city representatives, they’re the reason so many of us had the chance to chase our dreams.
I wanted them to walk away feeling proud of what they do. I wanted them to know that even though they may not be the ones crossing the finish line or standing on the podium, they are absolutely part of the victory. They are part of every kid’s story. And I wanted them to leave Tulsa inspired to keep doing the work, to keep building, and to keep believing in the power of sport.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on the experience, I’m filled with gratitude—for the opportunity to speak, for the warm welcome I received in Tulsa, and for the chance to give back to a community that has given me so much. The Sports ETA Symposium reminded me that sport is more than competition. It’s community. It’s connection. It’s legacy.
To everyone who attended, thank you for what you do. And to anyone reading this who plays a role in youth sports or sports tourism—know that your work matters more than you may ever realize.
Here’s to the next city, the next event, the next dream in the making.
– Connor Fields
