Olympic anticipation is building 🏆
Good morning. The countdown has begun.
No, not for the 2024 Paris Olympics, although that clock is also ticking, but for Olympic Trials.
We are less than one year from a number of Olympic qualifying events. The official clock is a little wonky because each sport will host their events at slightly different times, but the anticipation is the same. It is there that hundreds (if not thousands) will compete for a spot on their sports' Olympic roster.
Years of goal setting, visualizing, training, and prioritizing will be put to the test. Dreams will be made and tears will be shed. No heartstrings are safe from the emotions of Olympic Trials.
This is also the time where the Olympics marketing machine begins to awaken. Sponsors are looking at athlete partnership opportunities as well as dozens of other ways they can activate.
The road to Paris should bring a breath of fresh air to the Olympic movement. It's the first Summer Games since the pandemic and is anticipated to be a mega sporting event.
It's time to start getting excited.
P.S. Nervous about missing upcoming news from CG Sports? Follow us on Instagram (@cgsportsco), Facebook (CG Sports Management), and, of course, our weekly newsletter.
Each year, the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) awards Specialty Awards to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the aquatic world. This year, ISHOF has named Tom Gompf and Elaine Howley's A Life Aloft as the 2023 Buck Dawson Author's Award winner.
Click here to learn more about Gompf, Howley, and A Life Aloft.
SPKN series has released a new show, titled "Beneath the Armor," featuring former-NFL tight end Asante Cleveland and sports psychologist Dr. Trevor Cote. "Beneath the Armor" explores the relationship between mental health and optimal performance, while offering insight to empower the next generation of coaches and athletes.
Watch the first two episodes online now!
Olympic swimming sensation Katie Grimes has signed with CG Sports!
Grimes burst onto the scene in 2021 by qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics in the 800 meter free at U.S. Olympic Trials. Racing out of lane 8, Grimes had a courageous finish and passed the field on the last 50 meters to qualify for second place.
Get Local with Hometown Sponsorships
Working with local or hometown sponsors can be a great avenue for athletes to build partnerships and find success. Here's why:
Local brand alignment: Local businesses often have a strong connection to their community and are interested in supporting local talent. As an athlete representing your hometown, you can offer an authentic connection to the community, making it easier for local sponsors to see the value in supporting you.
Shared community support: When you partner with local sponsors, you tap into the support and loyalty of your hometown community. Local businesses appreciate the positive impact of supporting local athletes, and fans are more likely to rally behind athletes they feel a personal connection to. This can lead to increased visibility, fan engagement, and support for both you and your sponsors.
Geographic marketing opportunities: Local sponsors may have a more targeted customer base within your hometown or region. By associating their brand with you, they can reach a relevant and engaged audience. Your competitions, events, and appearances provide opportunities for sponsors to showcase their support locally and generate brand awareness within your community.
Remember, even if you aspire to work with larger national or international sponsors in the future, building a strong foundation of support from local sponsors can be an excellent stepping stone towards achieving your goals.
Click here to read about three more reasons why hometown sponsorships are beneficial!
Congrats to Alex Massialas on his bronze medal at the 2023 Pan-American Senior Championships!
SplashForward
"Water for all. Water for life." That slogan is the heart of SplashForward, a community advocacy group working to bring world class public aquatic facilities to communities and regions in Washington.
SplashForward believes in building partnerships that cultivate relationships that sustain facilities and create more affordable aquatic opportunities for everyone. In addition to sustainability and affordability, SplashForward's vision includes creating gathering places filled with pride and equity.
At it's core, SplashForward is comprised of aquatic leaders from all aquatic disciplines (swimming, diving, water polo, artistic swimming, and triathlon) and includes experts from age group to Olympic athletes.
Click here to learn more about SplashForward and their initiatives.
Champion's Mojo, Episode #213: "A Hack to Get Your Best Times: All-Star Michael Dellancoe"
Get ready to elevate your swimming performance as we have a powerful conversation with Michael Dellanoce, a multiple-time All-American and all-star swimmer for North Carolina Masters. Michael shares his invaluable insights on approaching a long course swimming season and the key to achieving peak performance in master's meets.
Listen in as we discuss Michael's training regimen, how he balances his swimming career with his work as a software engineer, and who inspires him in the pool. Plus, don't miss the heartwarming moment when he talks about how diving in the water makes him feel. Tune in to this inspiring conversation and learn how you, too, can excel in your swimming career while keeping the joy alive!
Catch up on EVERY episode at ChampionsMojo.com.
SBR Vault - SBR in Europe with Leyton Orient FC
We step into the Sports Business Radio Vault to remember Sports Business Radio’s trip to Europe in September, 2022. Berger was embedded with Leyton Orient (@LeytonOrientFC) as they were on the way to becoming League Two Champions and earning a promotion. Berger sat down with Leyton Orient FC Chairman Nigel Travis and Leyton Orient FC Director of Football Martin Ling and they give us a unique inside into building an English Football Club.
Catch up on EVERY episode online!
