Gerrits feels TV episode could be catalyst for grassroots support of freestyle skiing.
Aiming high is the name of the game for Olympian Travis Gerrits.
And that doesn’t just apply on the ski hill.
While immensely grateful to have helped land $2 million in sponsorship over the next four years on Dragons’ Den last night — the episode was actually filmed back in April — the 23-year-old Milton aerialist hopes the deal is merely the start of a financial backing upswing for his Canadian freestyle skiing contingent.
And those aspiring to join it someday.
“This definitely helps our visibility,” Gerrits told the Champion this afternoon from Lake Placid, where he’ll take flight in his latest World Cup event tomorrow event. “Hopefully this is the tip of the iceberg and support will take off at the grassroots level. It’s (Dragons’ Den deal) a great way to get the ball rolling.
“I haven’t actually seen the episode yet because the Internet service here in Lake Placid hasn’t been great. I’m excited to finally see it.”
A seventh-place finisher in his Olympic debut last year, Gerrits was a co-lead on the Dragons’ Den pitch — along with Canadian Freestyle Ski Association CEO Bruce Robertson and Maxime Dufour-Lapointe, the oldest of three mogul sisters — that was made shortly after the team’s wildly-successful showing in Sochi.
While their seven medals and a short video of their collective talents provided a dramatic one-two punch, the Olympians were reminded what an uphill road they have when it comes to garnering sponsorship.
Only Michael Wekerle, CEO of Difference Capital, jumped at the proposal after his four fellow Dragons respectfully declined.
For his $500,000 a year, Wekerle will get his corporate logo on team uniforms, advertising at World Cup events and athletic appearances as various functions.
With the sponsorship thumbs up given and a round of applause just underway, Gerrits offered the team’s new supporter a bold response.
“I guarantee you we’ll be on that podium in 2018.”
The Milton Olympian said he truly believes that claim.
“For a lot of us in different freestyle ski events, the podium is not out of reach,” said Gerrits, who got to put some of his studies into practice on the Dragons’ Den, having recently started an online business program with California’s Stanford University. “I think we can improve on Sochi, if that’s even possible.”
A silver medalist at the 2013 World Championships in Norway, Gerrits used the Dragons’ Den buzz as an opportunity to offer another heartfelt thank-you for the grassroots financial assistance he’s received from the Share the Dream committee.
“The support I’ve gotten has been incredible. I’ve been fortunate to gain so much sponsorship, but had to work hard for it. I embrace that part of my sport and try to give back as much as possible,” said Gerrits, who’s spoken at the majority of Milton schools over the past two years. Besides the Share the Dream committee, he’s personally sponsored by Visa, Red Bull, Chudleigh’s, Voikl, Toyo Tires, Oakley and lululemon. “I get a lot of emails like, ‘You’ve inspired my son to take up snowboarding.’ That makes me happy… that I’m doing my job. It’s great when I can inspire kids to get out there and be active and stay out of trouble. That’s my number one goal.”
So how difficult was it to keep a tight-lip on the Dragons’ Den outcome for the better part of a year?
“It was pretty tough. Being on such a high-traffic show, you really want to share the news. But when you sign that contract you can’t tell anyone. Even our coaches didn’t know.”
Steve LeBlanc can be reached at sleblanc@miltoncanadianchampion.com or on Twitter @MiltonOnSports.
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