Canada's luge team lands un-'herd' of sponsorship deal
Just days after the Canadian luge team went public with a plea for a sponsor, a donor has stepped forward to help.
But it's not an offer of cash, it's beef.
A southern Alberta ranching family has pledged a herd of cattle to sponsor Canada's elite luge athletes.
The identity of the family will be revealed Monday at a luncheon near Okotoks.
The event will feature members of the luge team as well as 50 purebred Gelbvieh seed-stock.
"We have been very appreciative of the support and interest Canadians have expressed from across the country with regards to our recent For Sale campaign" says Tim Farstad, executive director of the Canadian Luge Association.
"We are excited that it is already starting to bear some fruit with a very unique partnership that we are about to announce on Monday with an Alberta ranching family," he said.
"As we said during our launch, we are not looking for millions of dollars or freebies, but would like to establish a close relationship with a company, or group of partners, that can join our exciting ride to the international podium," added Farstad.
The Luge team recently lost its first-ever title partner. So earlier this week the athletes held a media conference sporting "for sale" signs on their helmets to get the word out that they need a new sponsor as they prepare for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.
