Elected officials, community leaders, and residents gathered on the front lawn of Chamblee City Hall to celebrate the launch of the DeKalb United Sports Commission, a joint initiative between DeKalb County Government and Discover DeKalb.
The event, which drew a lively crowd that included mayors, state representatives, and constituents, featured exhibition soccer matches from Rush Union Soccer and Georgia Soccer, symbolizing the spirit of teamwork and community that the new commission embodies.
Speakers included DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, Discover DeKalb CEO James Tsismanakis, Chamblee Mayor Brian Mock, and Hilton Howell, Jr., Founder and CEO of Assembly Atlanta. Each emphasized the commission’s potential to strengthen the local economy, attract tourism, and position DeKalb as a regional hub for major sporting events including the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Atlanta.
“The DeKalb United Sports Commission represents an important step in uniting our cities, businesses, and residents around sports as a catalyst for economic and social progress,” said CEO Cochran-Johnson. “Together with Discover DeKalb, we are creating opportunities that strengthen our communities and expand DeKalb’s role as a key player in Georgia’s growing sports tourism industry.”
The Commission will focus on using sports as a driver for tourism, small business growth, and youth engagement through partnerships with schools, parks, and athletic organizations across the county.
For more information or to learn how to host an official World Cup Watch Party in DeKalb County ahead of FIFA 2026, visit www.dekalbunited.com
