Great Outdoor Games

[mhstuart]

Hi all,

Long time, no type:)

I received this email today and wanted to share. It was a real honor to be a part of 2 GOG's...one as a competitor, one as an alternate and media team. It was a first class event and lifted dock jumping to the level it currently stands with unprecedented media attention.

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As you may be aware, ESPN Outdoors is shifting its focus and will now be concentrating its energies and resources on BASS and the Saturday Outdoors programming block. In evaluating current and future programming opportunities, ESPN has made the difficult decision that the Great Outdoor Games will not return.



With your partnership and support, the ESPN Great Outdoor Games set a new standard for outdoor sports competition. The event was successful on many fronts, generating strong ratings, passionate crowds, two Sports Emmy awards and other honors and we wish to thank all who contributed to those successes. We hope you will continue to support ESPN Outdoors as we begin a new chapter in its development.

[need2getalife]

Thanks Mark for the update and letting all know!!

Greg and all the kids 2 and 4 legged

[MickeyD'sMom]

All I can say is :cry: I am happy for you Mark that you got to experience the GOG at the level you did. Even before we started dock jumping we loved to watch the GOG. Thanks for sharing. By the way, how's the weather in SD. At our July event we about killed everyone off with 108-110. It was awful. We sure hope to see you again soon. Take care

[mhstuart]

Just got back from doing a private charity training session at Fiesta Island...about 75 and sunny here 8)

[guzzigirl]

I'm so impressed that ESPN saw fit to honor the sport of dock jumping with our dogs. And it is unfortunate their involvement has come to an end.

ESPN did the Great Outdoor Games in Lake Placid, NY when I was living there. The turnout to see the events sponsored by them rivaled attendance from both Olympic games. Their name brings the whole town out see the games. The whole town brings their friends, their relatives, friends of friends. Pretty soon, the event is its own marvelous creation.

Who would have thought speed telephone climbing would bring a crowd roaring with photofinishes using microchips planted in the climber's boot ankle? Ax throwing is just another event that fascinated people.

When ESPN leaves, these events go on, staying on a scale that best suits the budgets of the promotors.

I'm proud to see them acknowledge splashdogs. And maybe, if we maintain the integrity of the sport, do our own part to make events like this work, another big time promoter will see fit to let the whole world watch the antics of everyday dogs inching their way off a dock into the water after a darn toss, along with dogs in pro classes breaking world records with unbelievable jumps.
*I'd love to see that in slow motion :)

Thanks again for the news. I'm sad, but will suppot ESPN's good name.

Karen and Guzzi