ATHLETICS : Sponsors' snub for Modahl
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Vicente Modahl admitted yesterday that adverse publicity following his wife Diane's drug case had made it impossible to put on a musical high jump competition in Liverpool. The city's council announced that, due to lack of sponsorship, the event w ould not go ahead on 21 February, but would be postponed to the first week in September.
In a statement, Modahl expressed his "deep disappointment", saying that the case involving his wife, and the "horrifying" guilty verdict returned by the British Athletic Federation's panel in December had "effectively ruined" his attempts to secure the necessary sponsorship.
The statement added that Steve Smith, Javier Sotomayor and Patrick Sjoberg, due to be the three leading protagonists, had pledged their support for the rescheduled event, and that Sky Sports, who had planned two hours of live action, would continue theirsupport until 1997.
Norman Wilkinson, the head of sport and recreation in Liverpool, said two sponsors had been secured, but the event - with a total cost of around £35,000 - still needed £25,000 to continue.
The city council still intend to work with Modahl on a mile race to be held along the waterfront.
Agyepong poised, page 38
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments