Olympic medalist helps with potato marketing
Courtesy photo<br> Olympic skating medalist and Seattle native Apolo Anton Ohno recently entered into a paid sponsorship agreement with the Washington State Potato Commission.
MOSES LAKE — The Washington State Potato Commission was recently sought out as a local sponsor for Olympic skating medalist and Seattle native Apolo Anton Ohno.
He and the commission entered into a one-year contract as part of a paid sponsorship, explained Karen Bonaudi, the commission’s assistant executive director, on Thursday.
Ohno’s agent was aware the commission existed and visited its Web site, learning about its focus on nutrition and children as an audience, Bonaudi said. The agent decided to approach the commission.
The skater also has commercial sponsors such as Coca-Cola and Alaska Airlines, Bonaudi said. But Ohno’s agent also likes to find local, feel-good organizations.
“We are from his home state and have shared values,” Bonaudi explained.
According to Bonaudi, Ohno enjoys potatoes, eating the tuber for breakfast and throughout his training diet.
Ohno received five Olympic medals. He is two medals short of exceeding Bonnie Blair, who has the most awards from the U.S. Winter Olympic games, according to the commission.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to work with one of the greatest athletes in the sport,” stated Chris Voigt, the commission’s executive director.
“Given Apolo’s natural affinity for Washington potatoes and his love for eating and cooking healthy foods, we’re thrilled to have him as an ambassador for our champion potatoes and healthy messages,” Voigt added.
Ohno’s future work with the commission entails talking about potatoes, nutrition and his favorite potato recipes. Events and appearances also may be part of his contract.