Ralph Bender​

Ralph Bender has been instrumental in forging San Antonio’s sports growth through the past two decades. He has been a leader and major spokesman for the promotion of the San Antonio Metropolitan Area as a major center for amateur sports. ​

Inspired by the Olympic movement in 1984, Bender suggested to then San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros, that Olympic sports would be good for San Antonio and that this city would be an ideal place for the growth of amateur sports. Chairing an original ad hoc sports committee formed in late 1984, the initiative quickly led to the creation of the San Antonio Sports Foundation. Ralph Bender was the founding chair. ​

During the past decade, Bender has served in such positions as Tri-Chair of the 1989 AAU Junior Olympics, Opening Ceremonies Chair for the 1993 U.S. Olympic Festival, and Co-Chair of the 1995 U.S. National Senior Sports Classic. Ralph has been a long-time member of the U.S. Modern Pentathlon Association and has served as its National Treasurer, Trustee of the USMP Trust, and was a former member of the Board of Directors. Bender is founder and CEO of Bender Associates, an architectural consulting firm. ​