Rotterdam Sportsupport is committed to vital, safe and social sports clubs in the city. During the first lockdown, this club approached Mothership with the heartwarming request for a symbol of support in difficult times. Mothership designed a “heart to heart” for all the sports volunteers who were suspended by Covid19. It started with that; but it grew into a symbol of support for everyone who was part of the great club life in the city.
Sportsupport was already working on a campaign that revolved around the captain’s belt, which symbolizes leadership, commitment and unity.
Mothership elaborated this starting point into a guerrilla action in which all statues and icons in the city were provided with a newly designed leader’s band. The coat of arms of Rotterdam with the text ‘Sterker door strijd’ (Stronger Through Struggle) was given a new design, which is more contemporary and more appropriate for the younger generations. It was designed by artist Arno Coenen (of the ceiling of Rotterdam’s Markthal). The images called for solidarity and were widely shared on social media.
The next step to raise awareness of the captain’s armband as a symbol of unity and commitment took place in December 2020. In that month the annual congress of Sportsupport was to take place, with a start from the Euromast. Because of Covid19, of course, that could not take place. But Mothership found a way to support Sportsupport. On December 21 (and for the rest of the month) the captain’s band adorned the wrist of the Euromast. The green band with the proud lion could be seen from afar!
Also in 2021, this special cooperation will take on a new form. At this time, many athletes can again take to the field, the track, the street, the hall, the pool and the riding school. And even better: finally the one and only Marathon can be run again on October 24! A great time to extend the previous actions and show the bond of honor and unity again. This time at the Green Stand, the headquarters of Rotterdam Sportsupport in Rotterdam Zuid. Mothership designed a banner of 14 x 30 meters that will adorn the building on two facades, right on the corner of the street where the marathon participants are running and the public is cheering. An extra festive addition will be the forty runners who will run along on treadmills on the roof of Green Stand. Why? Because the Marathon is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and to mark the departure of the organization’s outgoing general manager.
Thus, banner and runners tell the story of Sportsupport, unity in the city, and the Marathon with extraordinary photo- and filmgenic images.
