Wilson's Pro Staff RF97 racket yesterday was the focus of a strong social/digital media push. The soon-to-be-released racket is endorsed and co-designed by Roger Federer, who posted a video on Facebook unveiling the new equipment and directing users to Wilson's website. Wilson Tennis posted a new ad on its Twitter feed and YouTube page. The spot depicts up-and-coming players receiving one of the rackets, along with a hand-written note of encouragement from Federer: "I hope it takes you as far as it's taken me" (THE DAILY).
I'LL DRINK TO THAT: In Newark, John Munson notes a special edition Gatorade bottle honors high-schooler Sydney McLaughlin's "selection as the Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year." When asked what she plans to do with all of her Gatorade bottles, she replied, "Everyone is asking me (about that). I don't know if I should sell them or not. Probably not" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 7/21).
VILLAGE PEOPLE: In Atlanta, Phil Hudson noted Atlanta Tech Village and the Braves "will partner to 'boost [the] city’s thriving startup community.'" As the first pro team to collaborate with ATV, which serves as a collaborative office space for startups, the Braves will "work with members of ATV during events and workshops." The first event "will be the inaugural #HackTheBraves, a weekend-long hackathon held at ATV Aug. 12-14." ATV and the Braves also will "host programs like Reverse Pitch at The Village, where tech startups will have the ability to pitch innovative ideas directly to the club" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 7/19).
