Usain Bolt was declared Sportsman of the Year for 2011 and won three other awards at the RJR National Sportsman and Sportsman of the Year Award. This is Usain's third year copping the top award, having won in 2008 and 2009. Bolt edged out teammate, Yohan Blake who was runner up.
Bolt also took the first-time Sagicor Iconic award, given to an athlete who has impacted on Jamaican sports and is regarded to having achieved iconic reach and stature.
Outside of the false start in the Daegu World Championships, Bolt ended the 2011 season on top of the rankings for the 100 metres and was part of the record breaking 400 metres relay, for which he also received an award. The other trophy was for him being the Category winner for Track and Field.
Bolt is the defending Olympic Champion for the 100 and 200 metres and is set to open his season on Saturday, February 11 with a 400 metres in Kingston.
Announcements were recently made for his participation in Rome on May 31 and Oslo, June 7.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
Mistaken Identity? Bolt and Branson
Usain Bolt was declared the most marketable athlete in 2010 and several campaigns in Track and Field (worldwide); Jamaica and the Caribbean have featured this 25-year old Jamaican superstar.
in 2007 ran a world leading in the 100 metres and consolidated his position at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, Berlin in 2009, Daegu in 2011 and plans to successfully defends his titles in London in 2012.
Bolt won a 200 m gold medal at the 2002 World Junior Championships, making him the competition's youngest-ever gold medalist. In 2004, at the CARIFTA Games, he became the first junior sprinter to run the 200 m in under 20 seconds with a time of 19.93 s,[9] breaking the previous world junior record held by Roy Martin by two-tenths of a second. He turned professional in 2004, and although he competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics, he missed most of the next two seasons due to injuries. In 2007, he broke Don Quarrie's 200 m Jamaican record with a run of 19.75 s.
He has partnered with Puma, Hublot, Gatorade, Digicel, Virgin Media and has a Foundation which he has used through United Way of Jamaica to give back to the Jamaican community.
One of his most recent partnerships, Virgin Media, sees him pretending to be Richard Branson, promoting a fast service to be offered by Virgin Media in the UK. What that relationship does is combine speed, star quality and puts together two businessmen who are intent on growing their businesses.
Now if that is a case of Bolt have a case of mistaken identity...then we are unaware of what Branding and Brand positioning is.
Let's be positive!
in 2007 ran a world leading in the 100 metres and consolidated his position at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, Berlin in 2009, Daegu in 2011 and plans to successfully defends his titles in London in 2012.
Bolt won a 200 m gold medal at the 2002 World Junior Championships, making him the competition's youngest-ever gold medalist. In 2004, at the CARIFTA Games, he became the first junior sprinter to run the 200 m in under 20 seconds with a time of 19.93 s,[9] breaking the previous world junior record held by Roy Martin by two-tenths of a second. He turned professional in 2004, and although he competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics, he missed most of the next two seasons due to injuries. In 2007, he broke Don Quarrie's 200 m Jamaican record with a run of 19.75 s.
He has partnered with Puma, Hublot, Gatorade, Digicel, Virgin Media and has a Foundation which he has used through United Way of Jamaica to give back to the Jamaican community.
One of his most recent partnerships, Virgin Media, sees him pretending to be Richard Branson, promoting a fast service to be offered by Virgin Media in the UK. What that relationship does is combine speed, star quality and puts together two businessmen who are intent on growing their businesses.
Now if that is a case of Bolt have a case of mistaken identity...then we are unaware of what Branding and Brand positioning is.
Let's be positive!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Jamaica as a Sporting Franchise
Lots of ideas are being tossed around now about how Jamaica can capitalise on earnings from sports. And sure the ideas will continue to flow, however there has to be a successful model the country should follow for economic viability. There are some key areas of focus for the sporting industry which can help to make Jamaica a successful sporting franchise
Venues to host events - because sport is a consumer driven activity one has to have an experience to enjoy journeying to a venue to not just watch a game, but be comfortable in a seat, be able to purchase snacks/meals of choice, use clean bathroom facilities, be able to have secure parking, have a well lit facility, be able to host games at various times.
Top performing team - One of the real reasons people support sport is because their favourite team is doing well and does so consistently. That team has a particular colour and fans go out in numbers to watch and cheer. The team in turn should be able to raise funds from selling fan gear. Also the community gets a lot of attention when the team performs well
Marketability - teams should have a star or two...players/athletes that can be related to. The player/athlete should be able to identify with a wide cross section of people, identify with the community and be able to capture the essence of the brand he/she is representing. Those qualities are complemented by the ability to look and sound good and manage effectively on the field of play
Have a marketplace - teams can use the community/town of origin and its history to create a buzz so people become curious, then have information which can be shared to the wider public. Take for example New York - they have the Knicks, Yankees, Giants, Jets, Rangers...all of which has kept a particular level of performance. The fact that the NY Giants could go all the way, would certainly create an additional umph for the physical place and would drive activities like merchandising, media presence and the feel good factor for a long time
Media relations - Jamaica has to have content for the media at all times; be conversant with the use of new media to send out its messages and be open to communicating with the media even in times when things are not going as planned. Jamaica's image is strong in the minds of sporting fans and should always remain in the minds whether through merchandise, personality or just consistent media presence
Entertainment Value - the importance of Entertainment should not be ignored and as a result, no sporting event should take place without an entertainment component. Jamaica's star power in Entertainment is available and should be efficiently interwoven into sporting events
Merchandising - even though we have some complication with image rights of some of our stars, Jamaica's messages should be so strong that items can be taken to the market and financial rewards about - "I am Jamaica - I am strong and bold" "I am Jamaica - I am fast and reliable"
After 50 years there are some things we can let go, however in going forward, let us have our own values and attitudes resonate in Jamaica and across the rest of the world.
The Olympics is very close - less than 200 days, but then there is World Championship T&F in Russia in 2013, World Cup Football in Brazil in 2014, World Netball Championship, Boxing Events, Golf Events some of which we can leverage to continue to promote the Brand...what say you?
Venues to host events - because sport is a consumer driven activity one has to have an experience to enjoy journeying to a venue to not just watch a game, but be comfortable in a seat, be able to purchase snacks/meals of choice, use clean bathroom facilities, be able to have secure parking, have a well lit facility, be able to host games at various times.
Top performing team - One of the real reasons people support sport is because their favourite team is doing well and does so consistently. That team has a particular colour and fans go out in numbers to watch and cheer. The team in turn should be able to raise funds from selling fan gear. Also the community gets a lot of attention when the team performs well
Marketability - teams should have a star or two...players/athletes that can be related to. The player/athlete should be able to identify with a wide cross section of people, identify with the community and be able to capture the essence of the brand he/she is representing. Those qualities are complemented by the ability to look and sound good and manage effectively on the field of play
Have a marketplace - teams can use the community/town of origin and its history to create a buzz so people become curious, then have information which can be shared to the wider public. Take for example New York - they have the Knicks, Yankees, Giants, Jets, Rangers...all of which has kept a particular level of performance. The fact that the NY Giants could go all the way, would certainly create an additional umph for the physical place and would drive activities like merchandising, media presence and the feel good factor for a long time
Media relations - Jamaica has to have content for the media at all times; be conversant with the use of new media to send out its messages and be open to communicating with the media even in times when things are not going as planned. Jamaica's image is strong in the minds of sporting fans and should always remain in the minds whether through merchandise, personality or just consistent media presence
Entertainment Value - the importance of Entertainment should not be ignored and as a result, no sporting event should take place without an entertainment component. Jamaica's star power in Entertainment is available and should be efficiently interwoven into sporting events
Merchandising - even though we have some complication with image rights of some of our stars, Jamaica's messages should be so strong that items can be taken to the market and financial rewards about - "I am Jamaica - I am strong and bold" "I am Jamaica - I am fast and reliable"
After 50 years there are some things we can let go, however in going forward, let us have our own values and attitudes resonate in Jamaica and across the rest of the world.
The Olympics is very close - less than 200 days, but then there is World Championship T&F in Russia in 2013, World Cup Football in Brazil in 2014, World Netball Championship, Boxing Events, Golf Events some of which we can leverage to continue to promote the Brand...what say you?
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Football (soccer) Scholarships for Jamaican Athletes
A few football (soccer) coaches from the USA were in Jamaica over the last week looking at talent and making offers. Our Jamaican students from all accounts do not lack talent and in most cases, have the requisite academic qualifications to matriculate for colleges from Division III right up and even Community Colleges where applicable. What is happening through, is the young people and their parents are not familiarising themselves enough with the rules of the NCAA and this could prove to be problematic.
Here are some tips
1.There is an NCAA Guide to enter college website you can look at and study
2.Most times you need SATs (scores vary); unless you are a college student in Jamaica
3.It is illegal to accept money from ANY Coach
4.You should not prepare to attend the school without the requisite visa (I-20)
5.If you plan to visit beforehand, parents should accompany their children (which parent sends off a teenager to a strange place without doing basic investigation)
6.The NCAA is there to help balance education, sport and social life - use them
7.Get offers in writing on official letter heads and confirm with college, that the coaches do in fact work there
While we may seem desperate for opportunities, it should not make us make silly decisions which may affect children's future and make them inelligible for lots of other opportunities. Also, go to www.ncaa.org there is lots of information there.
Let's not ruin our young people's lives any further....and guess what, if you do not know, ask questions.
Here are some tips
1.There is an NCAA Guide to enter college website you can look at and study
2.Most times you need SATs (scores vary); unless you are a college student in Jamaica
3.It is illegal to accept money from ANY Coach
4.You should not prepare to attend the school without the requisite visa (I-20)
5.If you plan to visit beforehand, parents should accompany their children (which parent sends off a teenager to a strange place without doing basic investigation)
6.The NCAA is there to help balance education, sport and social life - use them
7.Get offers in writing on official letter heads and confirm with college, that the coaches do in fact work there
While we may seem desperate for opportunities, it should not make us make silly decisions which may affect children's future and make them inelligible for lots of other opportunities. Also, go to www.ncaa.org there is lots of information there.
Let's not ruin our young people's lives any further....and guess what, if you do not know, ask questions.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Treasure Beach Sports Park (ready for Spring 2012)
The newly constructed Treasure Beach Sports Park, due to officially open to the wider region and the world, this Spring 2012, was the venue for a visit from three top soccer coaches out of the USA on Tuesday (January 3).
The coaches who traveled from West Virginia University, Villanova University and FC Delco Club toured the 15 acre facility which will eventually house
■Four soccer fields
■Three cricket strips
■Four tennis courts
■Basketball and Netball court
■Recreational area with picnic tables and equipment
■Bathrooms and changing area
■Equipment and Storage facility
The facility is complete with an irrigation system and is staffed from residents of St. Elizabeth led by Project Manager, Jason Henzell, owner/proprietor of Jakes Hotel. The facility currently hosts teams from the community Super League where matches are played on the main field. Henzell has assembled a team of techinical, administrative, marketing and operational professionals. Corporate sponsors are already coming onboard to be a part of this innovative Sport Tourism product, nestled in the south west region of Jamaica.
The Treasure Beach Sports Park is now in phase one of four parts and will be ready to host national/international camps and tournaments as of April 2012.
In addition to the facility, there is a Youth Leadership programme which is also a major part of the operation and will form part of the overall offer to national and international groups who will use the facility.
The coaches who traveled from West Virginia University, Villanova University and FC Delco Club toured the 15 acre facility which will eventually house
■Four soccer fields
■Three cricket strips
■Four tennis courts
■Basketball and Netball court
■Recreational area with picnic tables and equipment
■Bathrooms and changing area
■Equipment and Storage facility
The facility is complete with an irrigation system and is staffed from residents of St. Elizabeth led by Project Manager, Jason Henzell, owner/proprietor of Jakes Hotel. The facility currently hosts teams from the community Super League where matches are played on the main field. Henzell has assembled a team of techinical, administrative, marketing and operational professionals. Corporate sponsors are already coming onboard to be a part of this innovative Sport Tourism product, nestled in the south west region of Jamaica.
The Treasure Beach Sports Park is now in phase one of four parts and will be ready to host national/international camps and tournaments as of April 2012.
In addition to the facility, there is a Youth Leadership programme which is also a major part of the operation and will form part of the overall offer to national and international groups who will use the facility.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Bolt, still breaking records
With 210 days (as of December 30) to go before the London Summer Olympic Games, Usain Bolt is about to set another record. His Social Media numbers have been improving rapidly and even in off season, he seems to be attracting new fans. Bolt's Facebook numbers are moving closer to 6 million and he stands to achieve that before the Games...while on Twitter his number has doubled in less than six months.
Facebook Fans total 5.72 million, while Twitter has shown great growth since May moving from 125,000 then to 328,000. The interaction for Bolt, who talks 'often' to his fans has opened up a new set of opportunities for him. Since November he has added over 87,000 fans on Facebook and just under 20,000 Twitter followers.
Bolt ended the 2011 season unbeaten and has copped several nominations including Laureus Awards (won in 2008 and 2009); Latin American and Caribbean AOY; IAAF top 100 sprinter, IAAF Male athlete of the year. He missed out on the JAAA top prize, but was a contender.
Although Bolt is reaping rewards from the track...off the track he has been making a significant contribution to charity, by pledging his support to the 14th Sigma Corporate Run (February 19, 2012); and continues to support projects through his Usain Bolt Foundation.
Coming up early in 2012...a few major projects will be announced including business partnerships and more charity activities. Bolt and his Racers Track Club team mates are in full preparation mode for the active 2012 track and field season.
He has been also nominated for the RJR Sports Foundation Awards, scheduled for Friday, January 20 in Kingston.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Sport Outlook for Jamaica for 2012
As the London Summer Olympics draw closer (223 days to go) there are so many opportunities for Jamaican sportsmen and women to shine in their respective disciplines. The country has exhibited it has potential in a few areas, like
■Badminton
■Bodybuilding
■Boxing
■Chess
■Cycling
■Golf
■Gymnastics
■Hockey
■Lawn Tennis
■Martial Arts
■Motor Racing
■Polo
■Squash
■Surfing
Some of those listed above are not Olympic Sporting disciplines, but will have major events to expose the wide range of talent available. Some of the most successful at the international level are Track and Field, Cricket, Football, Basketball, Netball, Table Tennis, Volleyball - based on team standings, scholarships, players' participation in international leagues and media impact.
As 2012 draws closer, the athletes are all preparing to put on a great show and all the support available should be given to create an environment which makes it easier for them to produce great results as we all expect.
Business and Investment Opportunities
The investment opportunity for sport will also be on the country's radar as there are facilities across Jamaica which can help to boost the industry and in fact concretise Jamaica's position, as not only the place which produces world-class athletes, but as a venue for The Business of Sport.
The potential of the Treasure Beach Sports Park which sits on a 15-acre property which can house four football (soccer) fields, three cricket fields with nets, tennis, basketball, netball courts along with a recreational area for play is just one of the many projects available.
The two-day conference on The Business of Sport (May 3 - 6) will be held under the theme 'Stay in the Game' and will highlight the six major areas of how to stay in the game - Legal (contracts), Marketing, Media, Psychology (Maintaining the Competitive Edge), Nutrition and Events will continue to focus Jamaica's priorities. These projects require private and public sector partnerships and should be attractive for potential partners.
Let's support the Sports Industry, one of the Jamaica's best prospects for growth and development - one which require people and can generate well needed funds for the economy.
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