July 31, 2019, sees the end of an innovative fund raising initiative by the Organising Committee for the Laser 2020 program. The committee came up with the idea of Individual Gold Sponsorships, whereby Laser sailors donate $250 to help make the Laser 2020 program a success, and in return they get discounts on entry fees, a polo shirt and towel, discounts on Laser purchases and the chance to win a carbon top section from major sponsor, PSA.
Laser 2020 includes Australian, Oceania and World Championships in both Open and Masters categories. The events run from early January to the end of March.
To date 21 Laser sailors have contributed the $250 Gold Sponsorship amount, helping to ensure the events are successful both on and off the water.
“We obviously have good support from the Victorian Government for the World Championships,” said Organising Committee chairman James Mitchell. “But there are also social programs to run and we have an obligation to provide world-class media coverage, which doesn't come cheaply.”
Mr Mitchell hopes a last-minute surge in Individual Gold Sponsorships will boost the committee's coffers and ensure the events leave a positive legacy for Laser sailing in Victoria and Australia generally.
“With the Olympics being held in Tokyo, which is in Perth's time zone, and the Masters Worlds being held here in Australia during the northern hemisphere winter, we're expecting very strong registrations. I believe we can “do a Sydney 2000” and stage Laser events that will have the whole world talking for many years.
“Obviously, if we can pull that off, we will be in a position to bid for the Worlds again a few years later, and other classes can also use our success to attract major events to Australia.”
Mr Mitchell reminded Laser supporters that to become an Individual Gold Sponsor, they need to register their interest by July 31. Go to https://www.trybooking.com/BCESS to contribute.
