PR 101: What do you say when someone dies? February 15, 2010
Posted by Blake Sunshine in public relations.Tags: georgia luger, olympics, PR, PR 101, public relations
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There has been a serious blame game going on ever since the Georgia luger, Nodar Kumaritashvili, died last week during a practice run in Vancouver. The IOC says that it was a mistake made by Nodar, yet they shortened the luge track to take out more dangerous turns and drops. Their words don’t seem to match their actions, but this post isn’t a rant on who is right or wrong in the situation, but a very simple PR question to all of the professionals out there.
What do you say when someone dies?
The IOC decided they should commemorate Nodar in the opening ceremonies, blame the death on his inexperience and make adjustments to ensure the safety of the competitors. But did they say and do the right thing?
Why didn’t they consider taking the blame for the accident? Even if it was Nodar’s fault, would taking the blame hurt the IOC? Or would it make them seem more trustworthy? Would it make them look like they actually care about the well being of the athletes?
Or is it better to always tell the truth? And if the IOC really believes that it was his fault, why should they lie? Everyone knows that luge is a dangerous sport, and Nodar knew his risk.
PR Professionals: What should the IOC have said?
The Olympic Spirit February 9, 2010
Posted by Blake Sunshine in Just for fun, millennials at work, sports.Tags: apolo ohno, millennials at work, olympics, speed skating, sports, vancouver 2010
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Ever since my parents took me to the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, I’ve been obsessed with everything Olympic. I especially love everything that the Olympic movement stands for, things like:
- Education and development through sport
- Respect and friendship among athletes
- Peace between nations
And I really, really, really love Apolo Ohno too…
I love his amazing story of Olympic spirit. All day every day I hear stories of people who became gurus over night, without putting in any work, but according to the Seattle Times, “Ohno’s march to Olympics No. 3 has been a carefully orchestrated, borderline-obsessive regimen — a six-month, five-stage, complete lifestyle overhaul, overseen by his personal trainer.”
I love Ohno’s attitude toward discipline and hard work, and I truly believe that he is one of the best in the world for a reason. And unlike other people, who rush to get ahead without working hard, Ohno says that he won’t even remember winning the medals. ”When I’m done skating, I guarantee you that I will not look back and remember standing on the podium,” said Ohno. “I’m going to remember these days — being with the team. Training alone, in my basement. Training when everybody else is sleeping. Doing things that nobody else is doing. Digging down. Seeing what kind of character I truly have.”
Even if he doesn’t remember the podium, I will.
USA! USA!
