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Post by nasakychairman on Nov 16, 2007 10:45:51 GMT -5
I'm starting this poll "Sponsorship in amateur sports" to find out how you folks feel about discarding some lifters for others. I know its there money they can do what they want with it. My dilemma is. Why only the elite get sponsored while the no names have to work over time or scrimp and save just to go to Nationals or Worlds and in some cases local events. The members who get sponsored do not need to miss a day at the gym or discount there kids shoes just to afford a trip to the South East. This is NOT targeted at any one person or corporation or Federation so Please lets keep this civil. I would like somebody or somebody's to change my mind on sponsorship in amateur sports. First of all, I truly believe it's an honor to get sponsors by great companies. When a company supports me, I give them 110% support back. It's neat when people on the internet know who you are loyal too. I use the internet as a tool to support the companies that support me. Example: myspace reaches 1000's of people everyday. I take full advantage of it. It's not always the elite that get sponsors. I think the internet paints a bad picture about how to get sponsors. I don't live in the gym. I have church, family, work, my fed duties, training, competition,etc. I'm not involved in the business world, but I do know that huge companies sponsors amateur sports. This is one of the reasons amateur sports are on tv. TRAIN HARD
"BIG WILLIE" J.T. HALL
www.myspace.com/bigwillie12345
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Post by johndolan on Nov 16, 2007 11:14:44 GMT -5
Great subject. The first thing I should say is I am sponsored by BMF sports, and VERY thankful for it. I think if you look at sponsorship, the first thing you have to look at is the sponsor, because it is the sponsor who is ultimately giving the money, their money. My wife runs our parish fest ( I live in Chicago), she is constantly going to businesses in our parish and in Chicago to get donations and sponsorship. The first thing she is inevitably asked is what do I get for my dontation/sponsorship, and, I believe, rightfully so. Whatever or whoever sponsors or donates worked hard to earn that money they are donating. I am sure they, as I would, want to see an upside to whatever they do. For example I am 100% sure that New Balance would not sponsor me for a marathon, there would be no upside for them in that, except several hearty laughs and the ability to get their shoes back at the half mile mark.
As far as sponsors being "blood suckers", I know with my wifes ventures for our Parish, some seem, for lack of better words not so wonderful. That being said I lifted in my first 100% RAW meet in December of 2005, after that meet Shawn "Bud" Lyte told me to keep in contact and that he would sponsor me for my next 100% RAW meet. I did not compete at all in 2006, it started off with a hand injury plus I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and my elbows were only getting about 10% of motion. I didn't lift for over 2 months and prior to that could barely lift at all. During 2006 I kept in touch with Bud via E-mails. In Sept. of 2007 I competed at my 2nd 100% RAW meet, Bud and BMF were right there for me. Bud has contacted me numerous times about getting BMF involved with kids through powerlifting, like a cops and kids meet for charity. If only some of my commrads would be a little more helpful it would be great. I guess it is possible my view of sponsorship is one sided because of my sponsorship with BMF. However, if Bill Kazmier came out of retirement and I got a call from Bud saying we have to drop you to take on him, I would completely expect, understand and respect that decison, though I consider Bud a close friend, I know the name of someone like a Bill Kazmier carries the weight and that would be best for the company (Please note: In NO way would I compare myself to a guy like Kazmier, it is a hypotherical). At the end of the day the business that is sponsoring you has to feed their family.
John Dolan
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Post by George on Nov 21, 2007 22:37:17 GMT -5
As for the inital poll I was a "yes". Speaking for myself, a trip to Florida and Virginia takes a lot of resourcing to pull off being a sole provider of three. The benefits Bud has listed would undeniably help me in being able to pull off all the road meets. I may have won Nationals and set some age records, but I know full well were I stand right now having yet to even hit elite or hit any open records, therefore I don't assume I am entitled to anything. If my plans on hitting a 700 squat and totaling 1750+ at 242 happen next year, then maybe my optimism will grow. Until then, or whatever it takes, I know I have some serious work to do. The idea of sponsorship is a great motivational factor to me, and with my mindset, one that will be met when I am in contention with the best.
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Post by biglifter on Nov 22, 2007 15:59:51 GMT -5
I gave this a big yes, although with some posts removed I'm missing some of the back and forth. Hey Bud, what do you look for in an athlete you would potentially sponsor (referring strictly to powerlifting, that is)? I'm talking about the tangibles (elite totals, consistent top placings, competing x numbers of times per year)? Just curious from a sponsor's point of view. Thx!!
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Post by 3speed on Nov 23, 2007 1:08:51 GMT -5
It looks like 4 or 5 posts - including the one that launched the thread - have been removed. It kind of makes mine seem like unconnected rants, but I will leave the thread on here a while longer for all to read, think about and maybe add to. Boy, when you get off on a tangent..................... ;D |
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Post by m on Nov 23, 2007 12:35:09 GMT -5
Where did those posts go?
I think I remember reading them?
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Post by victor on Nov 23, 2007 16:14:41 GMT -5
Hi Shawn,
Just curious, how much this sponsorship could be? I'm not asking for precise numbers, it would be interesting to get the idea. $100 a month? $500? $3000? Or is it just covering a cost of trips to meets and free protein?
Bottom line is: does it worth it?
Victor
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Post by thewicked on Nov 25, 2007 23:53:44 GMT -5
only if you're going to sponsor me in strongman! HAHA
the answer is yes...depending..
even if you're an average athlete...you can be a great representative and even sales person for that particular sport and the company sponsoring you! Just like at work..when you're wearing that person's name..everythign you say and do represents that company. What good thigns you do give the image that the compnay you're rep'n likes those kinds of people..if they sponsore an average joe then it shows that that companpy supports all kinds of athletes from the person who competes locally to the big daddy squatter at the national level events. We're all iln the game for the same thing.
It just comes down to making yourself a worthy investment and being able to be amongst the market that company is trying to target...
(been sponsored in paintball and archery for years)
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Post by ryfralic on May 12, 2008 16:51:46 GMT -5
As an amateur, I was thrilled when someone was willing to sponsor me. I think it provides a gateway into the industry and helps give a view of the business aspect as well. I don't lift for the money, but even getting free gear makes it a lot easier to afford competing (Lord knows, just traveling costs plenty these days).
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