Disc Golf on ESPN

[shawn]

I clipped this from PDGA discussion board and feel that this is important.  There has been a huge response from this, but with the help of the Disc Golf community it will happen.  Please help spead the word.





Here's a form letter that you can use as a template to spread the word to others. Lets get the word out to every disc golfer in the U.S.! All you have to do is to copy the letter below and send it to every DGer you can think of.



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I'd like to ask for your help with an exciting new project on the cutting edge of disc golf's future. Rick Black has begun working with Harold Duvall of Innova to get major sponsorship for the USDGC and television coverage of the tournament on ESPN!



Wouldn't we all enjoy seeing the best disc golfers in the best tournament? If you can't get to the USDGC what better way to see it than to tune in to ESPN!



ESPN might be open to the idea on the condition that we could secure a major sponsor and if they think that there would be enough viewers for the program. The potential sponsor wants to know that the local clubs and the many players around the country would support them by shopping at their stores or buying their products.



The first step is to prove to potential sponsors that there is a great amount of interest in disc golf, so Rick is collecting e-mails from as many people as possible to show the potential audience for disc golf. He will use these as part of his proposal package to potential sponsors. The more letters he can print out the better.



So I'm asking you to write an e-mail showing your support of a sponsor for the USDGC. In the letter tell about how much you would like to see the USDGC broadcast on television. Let them know that you will support not only any network willing to broadcast disc golf but also any sponsor that signs on. The letters themselves are a testament that there is definitely interest and that is what sponsors like to see.



He needs e-mails sent to Discproshop@hotmail.com (subject title: ESPN). Please send as many e-mails as you can gather. Tell your clubs and friends to send letters also.



Getting major sponsorship and television coverage will lead to increased exposure to disc golf and that will bring growth to the sport. More recognition leads to more courses, better facilities, better leagues, better tournaments, and a better pro tour. Everyone in disc golf benefits!



As Rick put it, "I envision a day when most kids will be playing disc golf for P.E. and playing in leagues after school. It's a future where I'll be able to take the family to the mall to shop at the Disc Golf store or to buy disc golf action figures for the kids at Wal-Mart. We'll be able to walk into Blockbuster to rent videos of tournaments from around the world, or hear it announced on Sportscenter that Climo, Schultz, Korver etc. just signed a multi million dollar endorsement contract. And in 20 or 30 years when this is the largest participation sport in the world, people will look back and thank all those who sent those first e-mails to get it all started."



So please send in your e-mail today and pass this on to everyone who plays disc golf.





(For more info see the PDGA Discussion Board thread 2002 Tournament Info: USDGC-ESPN-Need Help.)