One of the strengths of community sport is the power to reach out to volunteers. Generally it’s to set up pitches, coach the juveniles, make the sandwiches or run the fundraiser.
Bank of Ireland though are the first we’ve seen to enlist volunteers in putting up advertising banners in foreign cities promoting the brand and it’s support for Leinster Rugby.
The #BOIBattleCry campaign is providing groups of fans travelling to this weekend’s EPRC Champions’ Cup semi final against Toulon in Marseilles with banners which they are being asked to place in strategic spots around the city and the ground.
Groups have to register before noon today to be in with a chance to get their flags. Once they have attempted (safely) to climb up Fort St Jean and draped La Corniche and the Stade Velodrome they are being asked to take photos and share on social media for a chance to win a prize of a trip to another match across Europe.
It’s a neat way to engage the most dedicated fans and will play well with the mischief that can sometimes come into play on a sporting tour.
If Leinster pull off a famous victory at the weekend it will become a game of legend where ten times more people imagine they were there as actually made the trip.
This at least is a chance to stake your claim for posterity, to help the sponsors along the way and hopefully win a nice prize into the bargain.
