Kellogg's, a key USA Gymnastics sponsor, "has added its voice to a chorus of state and federal lawmakers seeking assurances that the organization is doing enough to protect young gymnasts from sexual predators" in the wake of a pre-Games investigation, according to Alesia, Evans, Kwiatkowski & Cook of the INDIANAPOLIS STAR. Kellogg's VP/Global Communications, Philanthropy & Sustainability Kris Charles said, "We are deeply troubled by the report. We have expressed our concerns to USAG and we will continue to watch this situation closely." The breakfast cereal company "is the title sponsor of the lucrative Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions, which starts Sept. 15." Kellogg "did not elaborate on its concerns." In addition to Kellogg's, state and federal lawmakers "have asked USA Gymnastics for answers and called for tighter reporting laws." Two key state lawmakers said that they "want to know whether USA Gymnastics broke child abuse reporting laws" (INDYSTAR.com, 8/19).
VIP ONLY HOSPITALITY: In N.Y., Christopher Clarey noted companies like Nike, Oakley and Red Bull have their own hospitality spaces at the Olympics that are "typically reserved for the athletes they sponsor and their entourages." Former IOC Dir Marketing Dir Michael Payne said, "The athletes are going to their own house, other national houses or to their sports booths like Nike or Red Bull." Payne estimates that "some companies spend" over $10M on their hospitality-house projects. Nike reportedly spent more than $3M "just to rent its vast and luxurious location on a private golf course." U.S. triple jumper Christian Taylor said, "I went to Nike after my gold medal and enjoyed a great presentation and recognition." Clarey noted there are also "less visible corporate efforts to connect with the athletes, one by Apple and its recent acquisition, the headphone company Beats." Payne: "Completely below the radar. No PR, nothing, just a private retreat where they invite a few hundred athletes each day" (N.Y. TIMES, 8/21).
WAITING ON THE WORLD TO CHANGE: FLOTRACK's Taylor Dutch noted Oiselle Founder & CEO Sally Bergesen has already asked the company's lawyers "to look into taking on" the 40-year old Ted Stevens Amateur Sports Act, which gives the USOC "sole copyright to the word 'Olympics' and its intellectual property." Bergesen: "The way we see it, it's just not right in terms of how smaller sponsors are being iced out and then at the same time, the USOC is not compensating the athletes. It's so exploitative. ... It's probably the Ted Stevens Act that needs to change as opposed to trying to change things through USATF because they actually don't have the jurisdiction on Rule 40." Bergesen stressed the company is "not starting a lawsuit." She said, "I just want them to come back to me with an opinion on what would it take, even if it takes five, 10 years. We're just curious of what it would take on that level" (FLOTRACK.org, 8/20).
TIME STOPS FOR NO ONE: In L.A., Daniel Miller noted companies that are not official sponsors of the Games "take the rule seriously." Swiss watchmaker Richard Mille "declined to comment on the timepiece worn" by South African sprinter Wayde van Niekerk during his Gold Medal-winning performance in the 400-meter race. The watch "retails for $775,000." Richard Mille previously "has capitalized on the Olympics." Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake "wore one of the company's watches" while running in the '12 London Games. After that competition ended, the company "named him a 'brand partner'" (L.A. TIMES, 8/20).
