Chapter 379: A Small Test (1/2)
Chapter 379: A Small Test
Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Portland is the most populated city in the state of Oregon, and it is also the second largest city in the Pacific Northwest of the US, second only to Seattle. Naturally, the market for the sports industry is larger in a city with a large population such as this.
On a field in the State University of Portland, the 400m sprint of the para-athletic games was about to begin.
The 400m sprint was one of the toughest events in track and field. It had high physical fitness requirements, and the training was also extremely difficult. To put it simply, the entry requirement for the sport was very high. Many athletes would select the 100m and 200m sprints rather than taking part in the 400m race. For para-athletes, even fewer people took part in the 400m sprint. In fact, many para-athletic games didn't even set up a 400m sprint event.
And today, the number of athletes taking part in the 400m sprint for the T43/44 class was just five. That meant that a contestant would actually receive a bronze medal if his final ranking were in the middle.
In para-athletic races, Philip was a superstar, since he was the world record holder for the 100m and 200m event in that class. This was the first time Philip challenged the 400m event, so many people had arrived to spectate.
Stephen stood beside Dai Li and pointed towards a plump middle-aged man sitting in the stands. He said, ”That's the guy I told you about, the person-in-charge of the Dave Charity. He has already promised to give us 5000 dollars' worth of sponsorship fees.”
”5000 dollars huh. He sure is generous. Most charities would, at most, be willing to sponsor two to three thousand dollars,” Dai Li answered casually.
”There's also the guy on the left in the grey suit.” Stephen pointed in another direction and said, ”That person is the boss of a corporation that sells specialized medical equipment. We've already negotiated a price. If Philip breaks the world record for the 400m sprint this time, he would be willing to award us with an endorsement deal worth 30,000 dollars.”
”30,000 dollars huh. With a term of one year?” Dai Li asked.
Stephen nodded. ”Their current intention is just one year. If Philip continues to maintain his performance, it's not impossible to renew the contract after a year.”
”I suggest we delay this endorsement deal a little,” Dai Li suggested.
”Why? This is already a good price. Besides, you would also receive 1500 dollars from the commission,” Stephen objected.
”There's an important race early next month. If Philip does well in that race, his commercial value will increase significantly. By then, he might even be able to obtain endorsement deals worth around 20 or 30 thousand dollars,” Dai Li said.
Early next month? There are two weeks left. Stephen thought for a moment and finally nodded his head, ”Okay, then I will try to delay it. Can you tell me what race it is?”
”The selection for the world championship held in Sacramento,” Dai Li answered.
”The world championship for para-athletes is starting again? That's great, Philip will definitely set the world on fire. Looks like I'll be getting busy soon!” Stephen answered gleefully.
”I'm not talking about the world championship in para-athletics, I'm talking about the selection stage for the world championship in athletics,” Dai Li replied while looking at the race track with his arms crossed.
”Hmm? Is there a difference?” Stephen did not immediately understand what Dai Li meant.
Dai Li just smiled and did not explain further. He simply used his gaze to signal Stephen to shift his attention toward the race track, and as he did that, he said, ”Watch the race first, the race is starting soon.”
As Dai Li spoke, the starter had already signaled for the race to start and Stephen's attention shifted towards the race track.
At the sound of a gunshot, all five contestants of the 400m sprint dashed away from the starting line.
Stephen's expression showed a slight tinge of nervousness. He could not help himself as he clenched his fists. Sponsorship and endorsement deals worth tens of thousands of dollars were on the line, and it was also Stephen's first business deal since becoming Philip's agent, so it was natural for him to feel nervous.
However, after 10 to 20 seconds, Stephen looked much more relaxed as he said, ”Philip is a lot faster than the others!”