Some physical activities, such as sport games, have gathered a large community. Between amateurs, professionals and supporters, every event units people from all around the world. For some companies, this is a great opportunity to gain visibility, leading them to provide fund to some athletes or teams for example. While some believe that such strategies are beneficial as those sponsors help holding many events, others find that such presence of companies is overwhelming.
First and foremost, it is common for products or services to be advertise during sport competitions who are particularily popular. This presence is quite noticeable during football games for example, as the brands’ name are plastered all around the playing field. By providing funds to sponsor these events, companies aim to enroll new customers among the viewers and fans, who might be prompted to buy the said product if they see their favorite team advertising it. As a results, more large-scale events can be held since organisators are provided with enough financial means to, for instance, rent huge venues, ultimatly beneficiating the community.
On the other hand, such presence can be found overbearing, as it turns theses events away from their original purposes. Supporters attend games to see their favorite players performing and are met instead with what seems to be a huge advertising spot. Furthermore, these investments from companies can cause inequality as some teams receive more funding than others. Such dynamics are particularily visible in motosport, as the larger are the companies sponsoring the driver, the better is the vehicule for the competition. Illustrations include Formula One races, with wealthier teams consistantly figuring on the podium while smaller teams underperform.
Overall, I highly contend with the belief that, despite the opportunities they provide, companies are overly present in sporting events and can lead to unfair treatement toward some competitors. Although investment is necessary from those companies to keep organising highly broadcasted games, those events should not be turned away from the spirit of sportmanship