US track and field team extends Nike deal
29/06/2009
Nike and the US Track & Field Association (USATF) have extended their sponsorship agreement.
Nike has been US national track and field team's sponsor since 1991, but the new contract, which runs until 2013 with an option to renew until 2017, broadens Nike's support beyond the competitive arena.
Most significantly, it establishes a special fund called Project 30 to aid up-and-coming athletes. The fund will be administered by the association for athletes who lack shoe-company sponsorship but whom officials consider to have medal-winning potential, particularly in traditionally under-funded event groups.
USATF's high-performance department, headed by its chief of sport performance, Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, will oversee distribution of support, which may range from compensation for personal coaches and support staff to sponsorship of athletes at USATF training centres, among other possibilities. The partnership also includes a commitment by Nike to support numerous professional track athletes annually.
"We worked together with Nike to craft something that reflects the fair market value of our brand while being much more than just a boilerplate sponsorship," said the association’s chief executive, Doug Logan. “Thanks to Nike’s support, USA Track & Field will be able to provide a safety-net of support that so many post-collegiate athletes are currently lacking. With more of their necessities taken care of, athletes can focus on training, and performing, to their full potential.”
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