Athlete Funding - NZL Federations

[nate225]

Mike Kingsnorth (IFBB Pro) made a statement recently relating to athlete funding to attend international competitions, which I think is worth exploring:

Financially Subsidized team to Country of Origin (Australia) in October

Steve Orton

Lee Lynch

Kally Howlet

Lauren McLellen

Paula Signal

Karyn Kelly

Yoram Kalev

From the selected athletes, athletes who decide not to Travel to Australia will have there Travel Subsidy Donated to the Brest Caner Society in Memory of Nola Tonks who Passed away on Thursday 23rd of September.

Mike Debenham

This is a spectacular example of one man seriously giving a serious shit about NZ Bodybuilding (not NABBA/INBA/NZFBB/WFF but bodybuilding and bodybuilders), putting his time and energy into the sport....putting all politics aside and getting a real result for the athletes.

Then to put money into Breast Cancer awareness instead of his own well deserved pocket.

I'd invite anyone from any federation who has had negative things to say, particularly from an official level, about this show (and the CNI) and ask them to - using their own name - criticise Mikes work, the end result, and the charitable support.

Better yet, I'd invite ALL promotors and officials to make the same committment to the athlete funding and the community by matching Mikes effort.

The question of athlete funding is always a tricky one. I remember a friend winning Mr NZL many years ago (no federations named) and getting nothing to go to the worlds, but he was pissed off because a woman who placed third in a novice regional apparently had her implants paid for! :shock: How much truth is in this I'll never know, though as charitable organisations I assumes the books are public record?

Anyway Mike Debenham has put money up, and I have heard unofficially it was $300 per athlete, for 7 athletes to compete in Australia. :clap:

Mike Kingsnorth issued the challenge to other Federations to match this gesture of support to the athletes.

I believe NABBA-WFF have sent 7 athletes (at $500 each) to Australia this year, and given 1 athlete $1000 or so to go to the Worlds (again this is second hand information). I am unsure of what NZIFBB have done (although I know they have sent a couple of athletes to Pro Shows overseas) and I haven't heard anything about NABBA NZL's athletes.

Very keen to hear what all federations have done to date & intend doing in 2011.

Nate

[bigmd]

I know last yr. the NZFBB gave funding for athletes to the worlds and masters worlds as well as the Amateur Arnold Classic. All well deserving athletes however i am unsure of the funding amount.

i budgeted $1800 ($300 each) for six athletes however felt that there were 7 that id like to see in australia so have increased that budget to $2100.

Honestly i would love to pay for 10 and fully fund.

[nate225]

I know last yr. the NZFBB gave funding for athletes to the worlds and masters worlds as well as the Amateur Arnold Classic. All well deserving athletes however i am unsure of the funding amount.

i budgeted $1800 ($300 each) for six athletes however felt that there were 7 that id like to see in australia so have increased that budget to $2100.

Honestly i would love to pay for 10 and fully fund.

Sound good MD,

I guess it all comes down to the amount of revenue a show/fed can raise & the amount of overheads they have to cover.

Most of the NZL Feds are looking pretty lean (excuse the pun) nowadays. With the economy the way it is & the split of feds I can't see too many of the Exec members getting flown around to every international show (at the cost of members) like the bad old days?

I probably picked a bad time to start this thread as it seems most are busy with their respective show organisation. However NABBA-WFF have contacted me to say they will update with their funding of athletes progress after they have their Nationals completed (this weekend). Good luck with the show gentlemen.

Nate

[Dr Squat]

It is good to see federations giving competitors the chance to compete overseas. Mike K seemed pretty excited about the fact that Mike D had been generous in supporting several athletes to compete overseas. I couldn't agree more.

I think it should be remembered that NABBA-WFF went beyond this earlier in the year when they led the way and sent several competitors to a show in Australia after the South Island show in Christchurch.

I don't think the debate should be so much about the federations but more about the opportunities for the competitors. They after all are what the sport of bodybuilding is supposed to be about.

[Monty]

I was promised $1000 towards my expenses for getting to the 2010 Arnold Amateur to represent NZ in Figure by the NZFBB. I trained all the way through from Nationals with the only cheat day being Christmas Day. I missed the 2 weeks of summer hols with my family to keep training and focused.

I totally loved the experience of the Arnold. It is an extremely well run show and the quality of the girls is outstanding!

The sad part for me, was that after waiting since before Christmas to receive my promised funding - I was informed by "The President" that I wouldn't be getting any (this was just after I had come off of stage with my Arnold 5th placing!) - nice timing - NOT!!!

Here is the message:

So with that news, plus myself and at least two other guys (that I know of) not receiving our CNI to Nats $200 as promised, I have given up on that federation. I have sent about a dozen emails over the year to find out what is going on and whether I will receive anything but there are never any replies. It is just a bit rude to not reply........

It is also not nice being the odd one out. I spoke to the other 2 NZ Arnold girls on the trip and they received 2x what I was offered AND they were paid before they left NZ.

I enjoyed my trip so much with Michelle, Kristy and Brian. We had a ton of laughs and I have such sweet things to remember like when Michelle saved her mini-choc cheesecake and shared it with me (a sweet gesture!), when Brian came back from the expo with BB posters and goodies, all excited like a kid in a lollie shop (you big baby!) and when Kristy told the guy at the gym that he "was very loud" when he grunted doing every exercise he did (don't underestimate that girl in pink!)

If you do get the chance to compete overseas - DO IT! The memories will be with you forever BUT if you are promised funding, make sure you follow it up AND if possible, get it in writing!

[Optimass]

I think if I were given the opportunity now I wouldn't have trouble fundraising for myself. There are plenty of opportunities to fundraise out there.

I know many Warehouse stores make the forecourt available for community groups to fundraise and that it can be very lucrative. they supply the bbq and gas - all you need to do is book in advance, supply your own sausages and extras - and set up a little stand advertising your cause. I know of many sports teams that have done so and walked away with a couple of grand in support of their events. (bunnings and placemarkers also have the same community mandate I believe).

You can also approach local business groups as they too often need to be seen to supprt local initiatives. If you show your appreciation after its all done by sending a letter and a signed picture maybe - they are more likely to support future events also.

MD i'm sure a sausage sizzle outside the front of the Riccarton Warehouse would net some good funding for our athletes - especially with a few brutes like yourself hangout around the stand in your trunks :grin:

[Gym rat]

I also think if I were given the oppoortunite now I wouldnt have no problems trying to raises funds for myself and from what I read on Go figure the other the Envorment gym is having a fundraiser to send it's athlets to IFBB Country of Origin show in Sydney and that is good idea.I agree with Monty after Monty sent about a dozen emails through out the year asking about 200 dollars for the nats and that is very for the president not relplieing to any of the dozen emails that Monty sent.That is very nice of Mike D to pay for seven athlets plane tickets to compet in OZ :clap: :clap:

[tomsammce]

Optimass, thats not the point if you were talking about Montys post. Monty was promised funding, so if your promised $1000 and you need $3000 for your trip yes you will fundraise the $2000 wont you.... but you wont fundraise an extra $1000 when you have been promised it and you know its there. hopefully Karen does receive her promised funding, $1000 might not mean much to Moe but for the average person its quite abit of money.

[musclenz]

NABBA/WFF have spent over $5000 in this our first year as a Federation in New Zealand sending 5 athletes to Melbourne to Max's International Champs, Neralee Montague to the NABBA Worlds & Annette Gallaher & Richard Parnham to the Australian Nationals (tomorrow). These athletes received additional funding from NABBA International & Australian Promoters of AU$3500 between them. Thats over NZ$9,000 in total.

We have qualified 3 athletes to the NABBA Universe in Southport England on 30th October which is regarded as the most prestigious Amateur Bodybuilding event in Europe. Regrettably, we are unable to offer funding to these competitors due to the constraints placed on our profit from the NZ Nationals 2 weeks ago & ongoing expenses we have occurred setting up our federation in NZ. Subsequently only one is attending.

Phil Kuklinski is our sole NZ representative competing in the Universe in 2 weeks time. He is largely funding his own expenses although we are in negotiations with a couple of companies that he is involved with, that may provide some support. Big kudos to you Phil for your amazing motivation & commitment.

The economic situation leading up to the event & the Christchurch earthquake severely affected our sponsor companies with many choosing to pull out or swap from cash funding to product or services. Our audience numbers were also down on expectations due to a number of factors, one being that the event was held in Kaiapoi, one of the most effected areas in Christchurch post earthquake. However it was fantastic to receive so much support from bodybuilders & fitness competitors around the country resulting in nearly 60 athletes attending our first Nationals. Indications are that they will be back for more next year.

First show will be the Christchurch Grand Prix on Sat 30th April 2011. A qualifier into the NABBA Worlds in Brazil & the WFF Universe (tba).

A 2011 calendar is due to be announced very soon with all our show dates including a new event in Auckland. Watch our website for details.

[Optimass]

Optimass, thats not the point if you were talking about Montys post. Monty was promised funding, so if your promised $1000 and you need $3000 for your trip yes you will fundraise the $2000 wont you.... but you wont fundraise an extra $1000 when you have been promised it and you know its there. hopefully Karen does receive her promised funding, $1000 might not mean much to Moe but for the average person its quite abit of money.

Apologies - was just making a general comment - not in reference to Monty's situation. In that situation deliver what is promised I say - but more importantly, if you are reliant on funding then get it in writing first before making the commitment. (Not that you nessecarily were Karen - again just a general comment) - sometimes the memories and experience will out weigh the cost which you have already stated. (Nice job last week too taking out the country of origin ... another great kiwi bod shipping out to battle the wallabies)

[rigger]

In regards to funding I had a sweet suprise greeting me when I got home this evening after a tough 12 hour day at work with little carbs.

I recieved a letter from the TSB Bank to say my application for some funding to the Mr Universe Contest in England was accepted and they will be placing $ 1500 into my Bank account. Wicked. I got a cool TSB Trust Shirt as well.

To apply for funding from the TSB Bank you need to be one of their loyal customers, which I have been for a long time but $1500 dollars is brilliant so I will promote them everywhere and wherever I can. Phil K.

[agent86]

I am jealous when I see the same European competitors competing in the Universe and you know they just had a 1 hour plane trip or drove to the venue. For us it is a 48 hour plane trip each way and at least $4000 in costs.

It actually cost me $650 just to do the nationals in my own country.

Like Phil I was determined to do the Universe when I turned 50. It goes something like "This could be my only chance as I am getting on and you never know what might happen with my health. Lets just do it."

I paid most of my first Universe in 2004 but got $1000 from Nabba. I won this contest in Spain

In 2006 I got $1000 from Nabba and $1000 from my work.

got 4th in 2006 out of 17 competitors

With the qualifying process you don't know until 4 or less weeks before the Universe if you have qualified and if you have funding.

The problem is cheap earlybird fares have finished so you pay top dollar for a return trip probably over $3000. Accomomodation and insurances etc will add another $1500 onto this without thinking of having a little holiday.

Getting picked but having no subsidy is like not being picked at all

Or at the other end of the scale Nabba NZ have picked 30 athletes to go to the NAC Universe. Isn't this an overkill as only 3 or 4 will be subsidised

I know you have to qualify but maybe the nod be given 6 months beforehand for someone who they know will be competitive to allow early planning for finance and get cheap airfares.

I have a few things to sort out and will come back better next year and my goal has always been the Universe but the last few years it has been a mess with Nabba NZ and International competitions.

I had a goal of the Universe this year but it hasn't worked out as the $4500 will be better spent on fixing a couple of things that have been bothering me.

I'm Sure at 57 years old I will still be competitive. It's a shame that only one competitor is attending the biggest International competition the Universe on it's 60th birthday

All the best Phil and hopefully I will see you at your 50th after my dance

competition in New Plymouth on the 13th on the same day.

'Its funny but when I went i to refix my mortgage at TSB Bank the lady said they could have helped me with money towards the Universe. Maybe next year unless Phil has taken it all!

[musclenz]

Max, I'm sure we will see you back in 2011 perhaps at the Worlds in Brazil or the Universe in the UK. Its a great pity that there is not more funding from Federations & Goverment Sports Bodies like in Brazil & many Eastern European countries, to athletes to attend National & International events. The reality is in NZ that most competitors may receive a small amount of funding from federations but are required to pick up the big percentage of costs from their own funds. BBing as a sport in NZ is unrecognised & our non tested drug protocols do not allow for government or sports body funding. However, as can be seen from Phil's hard work, there is alternative funding available given the right approach & ongoing loyality with certain financial institutions & companies. Hope to see you back in CHC next April or Oct to further your long involvement at international levels in bodybuilding. Great result at our Nats.

mnz

[MissMuscles]

In regards to funding I had a sweet suprise greeting me when I got home this evening after a tough 12 hour day at work with little carbs.

I recieved a letter from the TSB Bank to say my application for some funding to the Mr Universe Contest in England was accepted and they will be placing $ 1500 into my Bank account. Wicked. I got a cool TSB Trust Shirt as well.

To apply for funding from the TSB Bank you need to be one of their loyal customers, which I have been for a long time but $1500 dollars is brilliant so I will promote them everywhere and wherever I can. Phil K.

Well done Phil - you deserve it. And good on TSB for recognising a worthy cause. Go the 'naki !