A couple of recent pieces we found (one on Terry Lyons blog by the way) showed the ying and yang o. charitable work, and the way the sports and entertainment space (both recreational and professional) can be use.to assist charitable endeavors. There are two examples that involve the professional athlete in the professional setting, and the work (sometimes unsung.and responsibility that comes on a daily basis with the visible athlete. The first story.by Kevin Ding in a recent Orange County Register, details Kobe Bryant's work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and both the positive and bittersweet experiences one of the world's most recognizable athletes has with the relationship, especially when having to deal with an outcome which is not always positive in the long term. The second piece is Mike Lupica's column in today's New York Daily News, which told the story of the New York Giants season-long relationship with Lt. Colonel Dan Gadson, an Iraq War vet who lost both his leg.in combat who has come to be a source of inspiration for the team. Both pieces show the athlete or athletes in a humbling light, and how their deeply personal devotion to these causes, especially in private, can be a great source of personal motivation and professional satisfaction while making the days of thos.less fortunate a bit better.
Th.other piece of note is from today's New York Times by Michael Winerip , and details how handicapped children in the New York area, as part of the.American Special Hockey Association, are using the sport as therapy. Now here there is no direct personal tie with a professional team or athlete in the piece, but it detail.again how sport, even in its purest form, can be used as a rallying point for the charity in a community, and that exposure in the media can lead to added funding, awareness or even support from the professional sports community.
Now is there risk involved with charity wor. Yes. For those on the professional PR and marketing side, making sure that the athlete and coach is well prepped on the meeting and that the meeting is taking place in an appropriate time and in an appropriate place is very important.fully understanding the nature of the meeting (was the request to meet just an athlete or any athlete, for example) and understanding the athlete (many athletes are just not comfortable withchildren who are ill, and no matter how sincere the effort, can sometimes make for a very uncomfortable experience) are also key to making the experience both rewarding and fulfilling for all involved.
Some other quic.pieces worth reading.Washington Times last week on an individual who we need to add to our history section, legendary publicist Charlie Brotman, and the amazing work he has done over the years with clients ranging from the Senators to Sugar Ray Leonard among many others. Also, the Pittsburgh Tribune Review had a good piece on the shortfall athletes encounter after their careers end.?The second piece should go in the “of counsel” file when doing media training with athletes.?
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