Sports Force founder dies

SANDUSKY — The man who built Sports Force Parks, Brian Storm, died Wednesday. Storm, who lived outside of Atlanta in Canton, Georgia, had been ill since before Christmas. Sports Force Parks on Cleveland Road (U.S. 6) broke ground in 2016 in partnership with Cedar Point. A $23 million complex of baseball and other athletic fields, it was described as "the most important project in decades" for Erie County and the region. The park provides athletic fields for league sports and youth-based teams from throughout the Midwest. Erie County commissioner Pat Shenigo — who worked with Storm and Cedar Fair executive vice president and general counsel Duff Milkie, along with many others, to bring Sports Force to Sandusky — described Storm as a "genius with a giant heart." Storm's company, Sports Fields Inc., is an award-winning sports general contractor whose projects include natural grass and synthetic turf sports field construction for professional sports teams, universities and municipalities. "Brian was instrumental in helping to reshape the way we look at tourism locally today," Shenigo said. "The success of Sports Force is truly a testament of his vision of developing a world-class outdoor sports venue in the backyard of Cedar Point. Part of the concept for Sports Force was to create a different segment of attractions locally that would be another reason for families to consider Sandusky a destination place. League sports and tournaments were a perfect fit, bringing families into Erie County for games at Sports Force Parks and visits to Cedar Point, the Lake Erie Islands, downtown Sandusky and other attractions. Shenigo said what started as a conversation with Storm about building a sports center became a friendship between the two men. "I got to know Brian personally and always respected his drive, determination and moral compass. He was truly a good man and will be missed," he said. He said hotel construction in Erie County has boomed since Sports Force Parks opened, generating "hundreds of millions in investments." Milkie also spoke of Storm with gratitude and respect. "Brian was a true leader and as a result of his vision and persistence Sports Force Parks became a reality," Milkie said. Everyone mattered to Storm, Milkie said. That's why there's a field at the park designed for families and leagues for players with disabilities. "The inclusion of an adaptability field as part of the facility is a tribute to Brian's community spirit and dedication to providing the opportunity for everyone to participate," he said. In his own words In April 2018, Storm wrote about his commitment to include everyone in a very personal letter to his Sports Force family. "As Sports Force Parks finishes celebrating National Autism month, I wanted to share my experience of having a son with autism and why it's so important that we bring awareness to this cause. "My son Noah is 21. He's a gearhead like me, and he's also one of the kindest people you'll ever meet. He loves animals and if he sees any sort of creature in distress, he always wants to help them. At work, if he finds out someone has a medical issue or other sort of personal problem, he's constantly checking in with them to make sure they're OK. If he sees someone loading up their car, he'll ask if he can help them. Noah is quite high-functioning, so he has a sense of independence and confidence that not every kid with autism has. "That's why l'm proud that the Force All Stars program meets kids with disabilities at their own ability level. Every kid who participates plays in an encouraging environment where there are no physical or mental barriers to hold them back. And there's plenty of family and friends around to cheer their athlete on. "As a parent of a kid with autism, I understand the frustration of being at neighborhood barbecues and having to listen to other parents talk about their kids' athletic accomplishments, but not having any to talk about on my end. These leagues and camps give parents the opportunity to discuss the things their kids are learning and the achievements they're making. They may not have led their varsity football team to the state championships, but their achievements are no less remarkable. "I encourage you to learn more about what autism is, and all of the special characteristics that kids with autism have."