Carry the Torch for the 2010 Olympics (if you are lucky)
There are currently 2 contests offering Canadians a chance to become 1 of 12,000 torch bearers for the 2010 Olympics. Torch relay sponsors Coca-Cola Canada and RBC have 9,000 of the 12,000 spots to give away with RBC’s current contest awarding 2,350 spots and Coke’s promising 676. Both contests are fairly simple but quite different:
Coke’s draw has two parts:
1) A random sweepstakes draw which can be re-entered daily with 6,760 winners being selected to advance to the “Essay Round”. (Coke is going for the come back every day for another entry so we can advertise to you approach but ties a daily trivia question to keep it interesting).
2) The Sweepstakes winners submit an essay of up to 220 words which will decide the torch bearers. The theme shall address Active Living and/or The Environment. Do the math and your essay will need to be in the 90th percentile to land your spot.
RBC’s contest is quite simple compared to Coke’s. It is a max 1 entry per person random draw, although the site format still requires the entrant to gain awareness and commit to improving Canada through some form of Active Living or helping of the Environment.
So Who Wins the Marketing Game?
From a marketing perspective these sponsors are ideal for reaching all demographics across the country. Surprsingly, RBC’s dedicated site has paid search and #1 ranking on google for “carry the torch 2010″ where Coke’s’ site doesn’t even rank on the 1st page. Also, RBC’s catchy TV spots showcased on TSN during the World Jr. Hockey Tournament hit the mark perfectly.
Coke’s site is pretty cool, but makes me feel like I need to join some type of Coke club and collect coins etc which I really don’t want to do. (am I showing my age)?
I agree with your view on the COKE CLUB thing…and altogether think the ‘hoops’ they make you jump through are tiresome and time consuming. However, if these monsters are paying for the relay in general, they gotta get their bang for the buck so they harvest as much info and bombard you with logo branding while they can. Funny how they try to go all environmental….like saying…hmmm…we’ll let you join our contest if you think/act green. I call bullshit. My Mom is dying to carry the torch (has applied for three diffeent legs of 300 M each). It is her dying dream…no joke….but she’s not all that internet savvy @ 72 (although she’s pretty darn amazing) but her essay and or committment to family, sport (and support of sport through her 4 kids)and CANADA does, without a doubt, should make her a forerunner. AND…she had both her knees replaced.
She also got locked out on the ticket lottery. ZILCH…I’m hoping for her. In fact…I’m gonna enter (jump through bloody hoops) and if I win I am going to give her my run.
Shop @ THRILLER
http://www.thrillershop.com
looks like you will have to sneak her into your spot without anyone seeing if you win according to FAQ 23 on RBC’s site
23. If I am selected, can I transfer my torchbearer spot to someone else?
No, transfers or substitutions of torchbearer spots are allowed. Torchbearer spots or uniforms may not be sold or transferred and are not convertible to cash.
“Carry the Torch for the 2010 Olympics (if you are lucky)” You should add, “Or famous”.
The last time we did this in Canada, it was a democratic random draw, not a selection of appropriate people.