Ines Brodman: “Good to get the sponsors involved too”

Ines Brodman: “Good to get the sponsors involved too”

On the first day of the World Cup weekend in Switzerland there was also a race where representatives from the sponsors co-operated with the best Swiss orienteers.

Ines Brodmann and Thomas Schneider ran together. Ines was World Champion in the relay in 2012, whilst Thomas is in charge of the military garrison in Liestal where the two last races in the World Cup were held. Liestal is just outside Basel.

The runners and the sponsors co-operated in finding all the controls. Since Thomas also is an orienteer, Ines didn’t have to give him special advice, but they were both very positive about the race. “With this kind of co-operation, sponsors get to know more about the sport and also more well-known by the runners,” they say. When those in charge of the budgets can become more familiar with both the nature of the sport and the athletes themselves, it’s easier to get support later on.

The sponsor race was just after the sprint relay that was held in Basel. The two last races were in Liestal, with the grand final in the absolute centre of Liestal on Sunday – a great race for the athletes that was followed by a lot of sponsor representatives at ring-side.

For Ines, who lives in Basel, Sunday’s race was her last top international event. She has decided to stop whilst at her best. “I don’t have the motivation for going on. It’s been a gradual process since 2012. But I want to be in the sport as a trainer,” she says.

It’s already clear that she will be that, for a local group of talented youngsters from the Basel area.