INTERVIEW
WITH MICHAEL STOKES - Pt. 2 NFL
REPRESENTATIVE TO CHINA
Learn of Their Development of the Markets in China
Past, Present and in the Future
NFL
CHINA BOWL
These
series of questions focuses on the attempts to have
a "China Bowl." At the press
conference, Robert Kraft stated that
"If there's any country we should bring our
game to, it's the most populous country on earth
where there's a great business environment and a
great love of sport. We believe that over the next
two to three decades, they're just looking for things
American. In the end, I know some people have spoken
about the social part of this, but there's nothing
that brings people together like sport. We believe
this is a great way to bring our two countries closer
together. "
US
ASIANS:Could
you describe the importance of having the “China Bowl”
(recognizing that the London football game was just
played) as part of the NFL’s plan to fully enter
the Chinese marketplace – since it has been cancelled
twice (New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks)
and the current status of successfully dealing with NFL’s
International Media Manager Felix Wang-described “resource
challenge” and “global resources” to develop
a stronger fan base (since the NBA and Formula 1 are
more popular in China) while fulfilling Mark Waller’s
(Senior Vice-President of NFL International) goal
of producing the “China Bowl?” MICHAEL
STOKES: Playing
preseason games in Beijing and Shanghai remains part of
our China plan and the great success of the Wembley regular
season games only reinforces our commitment with world-class
facilities like the National Stadium (Bird's Nest -
see the picture on the right) and Shanghai Stadium
needing events, we believe there will be a mutually beneficial
opportunity in the near future.
FLAG
FOOTBALL
& PLACE-KICKER PROGRAM
Questions
in this section centers around how the NFL is utilizing
"Flag Football" to introduce the potentail
fanbase centered at the university/colleges in China
to the passions, strategies and skills needed to
be successful in the American-style football. There
has been a developing grass roots involvement that
is getting more and more traction.
US
ASIANS:How
will the NFL utilize “Touch/Flag Football”
to develop a passion for NFL football, considering the
vast differences in body size to play in the NFL –
as oppose to the physical requirements in basketball and
baseball? MICHAEL
STOKES: Flag
football is a great entry point for many Chinese university
students who are new to the game. It is a fun way to learn
the fundamentals (throwing and catching), while also highlighting
the tactical nature of the game. In fact, we have found
that the strategic components of the game are one of the
biggest draws. People are fascinated by the constant scheming
and allocation of personnel that changes on every play.
"That's
a big pool to be choosing athletes from," said
Chad Lewis,
recalling seeing "guys my size — massive
—
who could easily play in the NFL."
For Additional Information on Chad
Lewis, click HERE
US
ASIANS:Considering
Pate Abitante’s (Senior Director of International
Public Affairs), what is the current status of the
NFL’s involvement with China’s “Flag
Football” program, recognizing that the Oakland
Raiders had brought coaches in the past – since
it is the simplest form of football for the youths while
starting a football culture In recent years and has reached
more than 40,000 children from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou,
ranging in age from 8 to 14? MICHAEL
STOKES: I’ve
been to several of the tournaments in Beijing and Shanghai
and can attest to the quality of play these young men
and women are already playing at a high level and having
a great time doing it.