The grim worldwide financial crises have taken their toll on most everyone. From the largest corporations and organizations which struggle, to the ranks of the employed or unemployed who simply strive to make ends meet, all are battling tough economies.
London Olympic hopefuls are no exception. These athletes are fighting the good fight. During this Olympic qualification run, many are focused on training and competing – in their quest for a coveted Olympic berth. While many rely on part-time jobs, lodging offered by friends, and loans provided by family members to pursue their dreams, others are resorting to internet fund-raising.
Beijing Olympics 800m semifinalist Nick Symmonds has recently “shouldered” a greater role in seeking assistance in his quest. Based on minimal financial support provided from USA Track & Field, he has resorted to selling himself on eBay – by auctioning off space on his body to promote a Twitter account name. He promises to showcase the winning bidder’s Twitter handle, as a temporary tattoo, on his left shoulder. At several upcoming meets, he will display this benefactor - on or off the track, despite limitations imposed by the International Association of Athletics Federations.
Since establishing his 10-day auction on Wednesday with a $14.50 opening, the bidding has grown to the $3000 mark. At this pace, as social media buzz spreads, he may very well be cherishing a five-digit payday.
In his auction, Symmonds states, “I will wear the Twitter name on my left shoulder when allowed to do so by governing bodies and, after reviewing the quality of the corporation's products, endorse them entirely provided my endorsement does not conflict with any of my current sponsors.”
Symmonds’ initiative is on the heels of British sprinter James Ellington’s eBay auction that raised 32,550 pounds (50,500 dollars) in mid-December. Ellington, who is attempting a comeback after battling four years of injuries, had planned to cover his training and travel expenses – in exchange for donning his sponsor’s branding.
However, since his auction ended on December 17, the winning bidder has not stepped-up, to make good on the pledge. EBay and Ellington have given up chasing down the winning bidder, and instead are now contacting the runner-ups to determine their interest in this auction that began at an abnormally high 30,000 pounds.
“If it doesn’t come through, then I would have to look at other ways to try to raise the money. A lot of private people have contacted us, so if eBay doesn’t work, we may be able to sort something out,” said Ellington in a The Telegraph article.
Fellow British-born Steve Grotowski is also seeking a spot on England’s Olympic team. Due, in part, to the British Volleyball Federation’s limited funding of male athletes, Grotowski is connecting with beach volleyball fans worldwide via Facebook. On his “Journey to London, 2012 Olympics Fundraiser” page, he is pursuing a much different route. This top-ranked beach volleyball player in England is now seeking sponsors, appealing for donations, and selling shirts.
Contributions he lands will defray the sizeable costs of coaching, training, and travelling which he and his partner will bear. Currently, he trains in Florida; but he will be competing in several domestic and international events in his run to earn a coveted Olympic Games spot, reserved for the host country.
In his posted letter, which is a heartfelt, grassroots appeal for support, Grotowski states, “I have what is possibly the most important stretch of what has added up to be a six-year journey, yet to come for the 2012 season. As you may or may not know it would be very hard, near impossible, to commit the time for practice, travel, and competing in these events without supporters and sponsors.”
Keep checking back for more pre-Olympics coverage in this exciting year!
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