Why Be a Sponsor

For some, lifelong dreams come so early, it is inconceivable to those of us whose dreams grew as we did. For those who dream before it is possible to articulate clearly those talents and aspirations which drive them to greatness, it is left to us, who care for them, to take care of the rest of their world. For the young child who dreams of hearing the national anthem played as they stand proudly on a platform, it falls to others to build and support the steps to that platform: the thousands of lessons, costumes, uniforms, equipment, entry fees to hundreds of competitions and tournaments, airplane tickets, hotels, meals in restaurants, taxis, and the millions of other things that can, with the most important addition of: innate talent, hard work, desire, motivation, and practice; add up to championship rings, trophies and titles. These are the outward show for inner strengths that form a solid work ethic and strong frameworks for the integrity and moral courage which we find in the best of our future leaders, teachers, fathers and mothers.

Individual sports are a difficult choice. There is no unified team support structure for those rough days and no publicly identified group to share success or failure. There is only self, weak or strong, tired or energized, ready or not. Some say it is a sign of egotism, to want to be the only one; the only winner...the only loser. A long time ago, I might have agreed. But, I’m older now. I know that individual sports build strong individuals, individuals who know how important unified support is. Individuals who know that a strong successful team is made up, not just of many doing the same basic activity, but also of many other unique individuals doing what they do best.

You have been asked to put money towards the sponsorship of a young athlete going to national and world competitions. It is mentioned frequently to me when I make these requests, that he is so young, why not wait a few years and see if he is truly serious; that, he may change his mind and then all that money and effort is down the drain. Large companies, and even small ones, don’t want to risk donation money so that a kid can travel and play. But, money spent wisely on the right young person can pay off in a decade or more of merchandising sway over what can be expected of older teen and adult sponsorships. It may also offer opportunities to both your company in increased target audiences, and to other very young children in getting their parents to help them with their dreams. Role models aren’t required to be 16 and older.

It is true, he may change his mind at some future date. We have all learned that changes of mind and viewpoint are a natural part of growth. If he does change his mind later, he will still be a much better adult in whatever field he chooses, for the successes he has now. But, consider the possibility that he doesn’t change his mind. Consider the opportunities lost or gained forever because of decisions now. If he does not have the opportunities to compete now in these high level competitions, he won’t be invited later...no consistent history of success. Some dreams require, by their nature, a very young start. The most notable of these are Olympic dreams. Olympic opportunities occur only every four years. There are only so many chances in a competing lifetime. National and International competitions are also limited in timing and opportunity. Qualification is by competition in successively higher ranked events and, an invitation is required. These levels of competition are much different than those held at a local gym or hotel. Lack of experience at the higher levels of expectation can be as devastating as lack of practice or desire. There will, of course be opportunities to compete later, and then this young athlete will be much more experienced, holding much higher level/ranking, and be of an age that most may accept as sponsor-able. But, if he is not sponsored now, he may not qualify then.

He qualifies now. He has received the invitation. Sponsor him now.

World Champion athletes require regular and frequent World Class competition to increase their skills and hone their display of talent. Those who win once and never compete again, or who only compete periodically, do not receive the description of World Class. They simply won a world title in year so-and-so. Nice, but not memorable except to relatives and close friends. For someone who plans a career in the sport, competing regularly and placing well consistently in recognized competition is of paramount importance. Competing regularly is dependant on sponsors like you. Placing well is dependant on him. You would probably not hire a worker whose record reflected a show up schedule of “every so often” . Competitive athletes who wish to represent more than their local area need to show consistent appearance in recognized competition also. Lack of money, though it is a common problem, is not accepted as a reason for no-show, just as most companies would not accept “could not afford a car” as a legitimate reason for work absences. Everyone is expected to locate and secure their own sponsorships.

Those who succeed at that, have the opportunity to succeed in their sports. Others do something else.

-Vivian L. Nelson