Post by blackcrowheart on Jun 13, 2007 14:40:00 GMT -5
Nike helps build financial bridges
Updated 2/22/2007 12:44 AM ET
THE NATIVE AMERICAN BARRIER
By Greg Boeck, USA TODAY Nike targeted Native Americans six years ago
when it hired Sam McCracken, a former basketball player and coach from
the Sioux-Assiniboine tribes in Montana, to run its Native American
program.
Since then, the shoe and apparel company also has become a significant
promoter of Native American athletes.
"Granted, they are trying to brand their own name," says GinaMarie
Scarpa-Mabry, director of the annual Native American Basketball
Invitational tournament in Phoenix. "But they are giving a lot to kids.
Nobody as a non-Native company has stepped up to do what Nike has done
for Native Americans. Nobody is close."
Nike sponsored the NABI since it began in 2003, providing uniforms that
cost $200,000 a year, Scarpa-Mabry says.
Gene Keluche, chairman of the Native American Sports Council, says Nike
is a contributor to Native American sports but adds, "Their foundation
never comes up with money unless it's in a city where Nike has a strong
presence."
Nike's presence in Native American sports is widening. In 2006 it
announced a four-year partnership with the Iroquois Nationals men's
lacrosse team, the only indigenous nation worldwide participating in
international sports competition. Nike outfits the team, which finished
fourth in the 21-team 2006 world championships.
As manager of Nike's Native American business, McCracken, 47, knows the
struggle of the Native American athlete and has attacked it
aggressively.
"My vision," he says "is getting more exposure for them."
Updated 2/22/2007 12:44 AM ET
THE NATIVE AMERICAN BARRIER
By Greg Boeck, USA TODAY Nike targeted Native Americans six years ago
when it hired Sam McCracken, a former basketball player and coach from
the Sioux-Assiniboine tribes in Montana, to run its Native American
program.
Since then, the shoe and apparel company also has become a significant
promoter of Native American athletes.
"Granted, they are trying to brand their own name," says GinaMarie
Scarpa-Mabry, director of the annual Native American Basketball
Invitational tournament in Phoenix. "But they are giving a lot to kids.
Nobody as a non-Native company has stepped up to do what Nike has done
for Native Americans. Nobody is close."
Nike sponsored the NABI since it began in 2003, providing uniforms that
cost $200,000 a year, Scarpa-Mabry says.
Gene Keluche, chairman of the Native American Sports Council, says Nike
is a contributor to Native American sports but adds, "Their foundation
never comes up with money unless it's in a city where Nike has a strong
presence."
Nike's presence in Native American sports is widening. In 2006 it
announced a four-year partnership with the Iroquois Nationals men's
lacrosse team, the only indigenous nation worldwide participating in
international sports competition. Nike outfits the team, which finished
fourth in the 21-team 2006 world championships.
As manager of Nike's Native American business, McCracken, 47, knows the
struggle of the Native American athlete and has attacked it
aggressively.
"My vision," he says "is getting more exposure for them."