As 2012 approaches, a year that will include Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis and several events commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 1987 Pan American Games, Indiana Sports Corp. will recognize Mark Miles, a man synonymous with both events, as its 2012 Pathfinder Award recipient. Miles will receive the award April 17 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom.
The Pathfinder Award, also in its 25th year, will recognize Miles for his service to the Hoosier community and Indiana youth.
As part of its commitment to youth, Indiana Sports Corp. recognizes those who share the organization’s philosophy of improving the lives of Indiana youth. Other Indiana Sports Corp. youth initiatives include the Youthlinks Indiana Charity Golf Tournament, which has distributed more than $6.3 million to youth-serving organizations through the CHAMPS (Champions in Life) Grant Program and other initiatives, the Geared for Health: Sports Equipment for Kids program, and programming around Indiana Sports Corp. events.
“Mark’s work on behalf of our community for nearly three decades has provided opportunities that were once even beyond our wildest dreams,” said Susan Williams, Indiana Sports Corp. president. “His leadership of the Pan Am Games took our sports initiative to great heights, heights we have achieved today as a Super Bowl City. His fingerprints are on every youth initiative and Legacy component associated with our events. From the civic pride of the 36,000 volunteers who worked on the Pan Am Games to the Super Bowl’s Legacy Project on the near Eastside, Mark’s work has inspired individuals and built a lasting infrastructure.”
Miles is president and chief executive officer of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership Inc. (CICP), a non-profit, regional alliance of corporate CEOs and university presidents focused on long-term growth and economic development throughout the Central Indiana region.
“I have had the remarkably good fortune to be associated with Indiana Sports Corp. and the promotion of sports as a vehicle for the development of our community for more than 25 years,” said Miles. “I do not know of an organization that has had a more positive impact on our city and I have never been associated with higher caliber or more civically-minded people than the folks who have made the Sports Corp. the dynamic organization we know it to be. So, for me to be recognized with the Pathfinder Award is an incredible honor.”
Throughout his career, Miles has been active in a variety of civic initiatives. In 2008, at the request of Mayor Greg Ballard, Miles led a successful effort to earn Indianapolis the right to host Super Bowl XLVI. He is chairman of the board of the 2012 Super Bowl Host Committee, which serves as an extension of the National Football League in the local community to centralize planning and execution of the 2012 Super Bowl event.
Miles has spearheaded a broad civic effort to partner with neighborhood leaders of the near Eastside to bring about positive change throughout that community in conjunction with the 2012 Super Bowl. Known as the Legacy Project, this $150 million neighborhood redevelopment effort will create a lasting legacy and impact far beyond game week. The initiative will build or improve 200 housing units, construct a new 27,000-square-foot wellness and fitness center, and serve as a catalyst for the revitalization of the East 10th Street business district.
Previous award recipients include Larry Bird, Dr. Myles Brand, Gov. Mitch Daniels, Tony Dungy, Sen. Richard and Char Lugar, Peyton Manning, and Jack and Barbara Nicklaus, among others.
For information on tickets to the Pathfinder Awards luncheon (Tuesday, April 17 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom), contact Angela Hatem at Angela.Hatem@IndianaSportsCorp.com or (317) 237-5020.
