Discussion: Press Releases for an Orienteering Event

I'd like to produce a press release for a 2012 A-meet, but before I do, I thought I'd see if the AP community has had any previous experience with this.

What to include, what not to include?

Did it succeed in getting the press interested?

I did find this link from the British federation, which looks quite good.
http://www.britishorienteering.org.uk/page/generat...

Thanks!

Patrick,

You might consider asking Glen Schorr for sample press releases. Marketing is his area of expertise.

Clare

Pink,

Here's my latest - you're welcome to borrow. My editing comments in color.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Instead of a pre-release
ROCHESTER ORIENTEERING CLUB HOSTS MENDON PONDS PARK EVENT
I make the email subject match this line - who and what

Rochester, N.Y., May 7, 2011: The Rochester Orienteering Club will host the second of the season’s orienteering meets on Saturday, May 7th, 2011 at Mendon Ponds Park starting at the Cavalry Lodge. Participants will be given maps of the park with key locations noted. They must “punch in” at each of those locations in turn, and race to the finish. Separate courses will challenge participants in different age and skill groups with ribbons for winners. All ages and skill levels are welcome.
First paragraph has the details - be terse

This event also counts as the second in the club’s Championship Series. Points from this and five additional races held throughout the year will determine a Club Series Champion in October. The best four results over the six races will count, allowing for participants to miss an event or improve upon an earlier result.
I mention the club championships to show that there is actual racing involved...

The event begins at 12 noon, and with staggered-starts, all competitors must punch in at the starter’s table by 2:00 pm. Competitors will have no more than 2 hours to complete their course. Distances vary from 1.5km to 7km based on difficulty.
Details details - and continued below

Instruction leading to a beginner course will be available, and walking such a course can easily be accomplished in under an hour (but please plan to arrive early). Groups and families welcome. Cost: $6 per entry (groups count as 1 entry).

Recommended dress: Appropriate for walking, running, or off-trail movement within individual capabilities. Long sleeves and nylon sweat pants can provide protection if participants plan to leave the trail. A compass would be helpful, and the club has some to loan if needed. Given the potential for inclement weather, please be aware that this event will take place rain or shine - or even snow, though we certainly hope we don't have to deal with that.
any last words and advice

About the Rochester Orienteering Club:

The Rochester Orienteering Club is a not for profit that organizes orienteering events in the Greater Rochester, N.Y., Region. It holds two events per month during the spring, summer, and fall, and organizes several ski-orienteering events each winter. For more information: http://roc.us.orienteering.org
About the group

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Steven Tylock About me should any questions come up. One paper inadvertently used my phone number in their article but should not have
http://www.linkedin.com/in/stevetylock

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I send this 3 weeks before an event to a small group of email addresses I've collected from the local news, daily, and alternative weekly press. Too early and they don't care, too late and they can't do anything.

We picked up coverage of the event in the form of "things to do" for each event in 2010 (I believe - if not all, most), and were featured one week and pulled the reported for an in-depth article.

Best of luck with it.

I had two thoughts. First, I'd touch bases with Glen. Second, I'd try to talk to a reporter from one or more of the news outlets your trying to reach and ask what would be most useful for them.

Thanks for the suggestions!

The angle I am going for at this early stage is less "come out and try the event" and more "hey, we won the bid for this big event". I figure we could also combine the announcement of the 2012 event with the announcement of our successful juniors at the 2011 event.

Here is (imo) a great press release from the organizers of WOC 2011. It shows that there a loads of spectators (!), lots of meals being ordered in the region, commitment to 'green' & 'local' policies, and involvement from all over the place. This press release promotes the event in a lot of positive ways to more than just the orienteering community.


World Orienteering Championships 2011
Ready to offer athletes, volunteers and the general public the best conditions possible

Preparing World Championships requires determination and organisation. For almost 3 years now the WOC 2011 team has been at work to make this a memorable event. It is to take place in Savoie, France, from 10th to 20th August.
Three months from the opening of the World Orienteering Championships the following figures show the extent of the event:

Volunteers, athletes and spectators:
Approximately 550 volunteers will be working for WOC2011. They come from 10 different countries, some from very far - nine from Numéa (New Caledonia) and one from Australia. All will stay at La Féclaz on the Savoie Grand Revard plateau. Altogether they will be served a total of 18150 meals!

Over 400 men and women athletes from more than 50 countries will compete for 11 individual and team titles.

3 000 to 5 000 spectators are expected, most of whom will be taking part in the O’Festival ERDF Savoie Grand Revard. This is a 6-day orienteering event run on the same maps and using the same arenas as the World Championships. The timetable is so organised that all participants will be able to watch the World Championships and cheer their favourite stars.

A 600 place camp site as well as a camper-van area for up to 100 vehicles will be set up at la Féclaz for their accommodation.

Following the Charter of good practice for eco-friendly events, priority has been given to local food and drink suppliers and the use of recyclable products encouraged.

The organising team are working non-stop to create 10 unforgettable days of orienteering which will highlight the extraordinary potential for nature sports in the Savoie Mont Blanc region and in particular on the Savoie Grand Revard plateau.
For further information please visit the World Championships website: http://www.woc2011.fr/