Multisport: GNC Deal: Tell Us Your Endurance Story, We'll Sponsor You

By JAMES RAIA

Anyone who regularly watches television or flips through a magazine knows that product endorsement deals are reserved for star athletes or entertainers. Not anymore.

General Nutrition Centers, Inc. (GNC), the largest global specialty retailer of nutritional supplements, has unveiled a contest that will turn three amateur athletes into GNC Pro Performance-sponsored athletes.

"Each day, GNC employees around the country have the privilege of listening to our customers' inspirational stories and their remarkable fitness goals," said Charlie Chiaverini, vice president of sports nutrition and diet for GNC.

"This contest gives the rest of America a chance to hear some of their stories, and it gives three of our customers the opportunity to join our elite team of Pro Performance athletes."

Contestants simply describe their endurance goal in a 250-word essay.

Competing in a marathon, a wheelchair race or a triathlon are just a few of the endurance goal possibilities a panel of GNC athletes, trainers and nutritionists will consider.

The panel of GNC judges, including professional baseball player Luis Gonzalez and professional triathlete Jessi Stensland, will select one male winner, one female winner and one winner in a very unique category -- "Defying the Odds" -- which will honor someone who must overcome a seemingly impossible obstacle to achieve a fitness goal (i.e. recover from an injury, overcome a disability, etc.).

The three contestants judged to have the most compelling endurance goals will win a GNC Endurance Athlete Sponsorship that includes:

* Year-supply of sports nutrition, endurance and vitamin products;
* 2. GNC Pro Performance competition gear;
* Support and tips from the GNC staff nutritionist and trainers;
* Entry fee for their endurance competition

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvana, GNC, is the largest global specialty retailer of nutritional supplements, which include vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements, sports nutrition products, diet and energy products and specialty supplements.

Amateur and aspiring athletes with an endurance goal can enther the contest. Entries must be received by Nov. 30, 2004. For details, visit: GNCPERFORMANCE.COM.

© Copyright 2004, James Raia

Posted with the permission of James Raia.

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