Sports fans have been an important part of the explosive success both collegiate and professional athletics has enjoyed. In 2013 a recognition award show was created to honor fans and their contribution to the sports industry it's called the What A Fan Awards. Its been held in Orlando Florida but will be relocated to Los Angeles California in 2016. Over the coming weeks we're going to introduce you to some of the countries most devoted fans of all genres of sports in their own words.
How long have you been a fan?
48 years.
Why should you be selected winner in this category?
Simple, we represent Oregon Ducks with class, home and away. We attend all venues in our Oregon Duck Fan attire. We ride custom Oregon Duck Scooters at all the home football games and greet the opposing fans with "thank you for coming to Oregon, Go Football". We meet fans on away travels all over the USA. We support the all sports but especially the football program. Our goal is to put smiles on faces and leave a friend. Great Fans make for a great experience.
What triggered your passion for sports?
Have always had sports as part of our lives. Me growing up in Oregon and the wife growing up in Iowa. Every opportunity we had we participated. As life directed our paths to join society it became harder and harder to participate but the support was still there. Support became a passion. We have always supported the underdog and for years the Ducks were truly that. But like they say "every Duck has it's day" and now we are the King of the Duck Pond.
Favorite sports moment?
Auburn ball boy turns on jets. I was flabbergasted watching him run with Auburns speedy Wide Receiver.
Who would you like to meet and why?
Dinner with Phil Knight - One, for a great dinner, second to rub shoulders with the self made legend that not only dedicated himself to changing the look of football but to support the education of our future students to levels that no other can comprehend. Any maybe I can get to go up in the box area once in awhile and show off our goods.
What charitable programs are you involved with?
"Santa's Hidden Kids" It's a foundation we stated some 20 years ago for all the kids lost on Xmas eve.
How does your family feel about your passion for sports?
As all normal kids, we embarrassed them at first and now that they are adult they share our enthusiasm with support. They like being part of the Hype. As would have it, we have a new generation of "Grateful Ducks" arising in our Grand daughter. Watch out!!
How was your character created?
I don't consider what I wear a costume, it is a uniform. I Love the Ducks, the Grateful Dead and was raised in the 60's. What a better way to pay tribute to all things associated with Autzen Stadium. If you were to visit Eugene, OR you would find a community that takes life in stride.
Share a humorous story with us about you or your team?
Using our attire is the self made humor we strive to accomplish. Grateful Duck wears contact lens that are green and yellow. People are constantly asking for their photo with us and when they get close they have an extremely hard time looking him in the eyes. I think our favorite is when the team goes by they loose the tough guy image and have to laugh. Mission accomplished ..... a smile.
What would winning the What A Fan Awards mean to you?
Winning the "What A Fan Award" would be the epitome of recognition. Then we can truly say "we lead by example". It's hard to imagine what avenues this would open up to help express the real meaning of "Fan". In our travels we experience so many descriptions of "Fan". There is so much more to it than supporting your team to the end, at all cost. Let the competition be performed on the playing field and let the fans have great time.
Learn more about the What A Fan Awards by visiting www.whatafanshow.com and if you or someone you know are devoted, passionate and fanatic sports fans let them know they too could be Nominated for this honor! #Fans247 #whatafan #whatafanawards #SportsFansConference
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