It's not very often that you see the old fashioned mud baths at the 50 yard line anymore. Oregon's superlative grass seed has been recognized by the world's largest nation. China will be holding what is known as the Urban Games in 2003 just south of Beijing. The national sports competition will bring the country's best athletes together for a a variety of olympic-type events. Oregon officials have met with Chinese ministry officials to talk about supplying grass seed for the playing fields.
China is interested in obtaining the next Olympic Games.
Success with the Urban Games could lead to Oregon grass seed playing a pivotal role in the Olympics as Beijing overseeds its sports fields and beautifies its parks. Given the Willamette Valley's rain and cold weather when the playing fields are getting heavy use, their decision probably makes sense. But Nelson and the industry are convinced natural turf from local farmers would have worked just fine.