O’Sullivan And £10,000 – Have We Got To Make The Prize Worth More Than Money
Simple questions for you –
How much would you want to get in your hand £10,000?
How much would any charity value that money?
So many of us value money, and need it badly, but also do what we can to help others where and when possible.
If you are at all like me then you will probably understand why I was wanting to throw a snooker cue through the TV this morning as I listened to this:
These are the words from snooker player Ronnie O’Sullivan in an interview after he had passed up the chance of making a total break of 147.[don’t worry if you don’t understand the snooker reference here – that is not the point)]
“I could have gone on the black off that red and possibly got another 147 – you never know it can get twitchy. BUT £10,000 – it’s too cheap. It is a massive achievement getting a 147 and it is worth more than that. Once it goes up, I’ll give it another go”
Yes he sat there and said that… Unbelievable!
On his shirt were his sponsors logos.
The tournament itself also has a big prize.
Too much money and too self absorbed.
Now don’t let me get going on this further myself – no- much better – listen to another snooker professional Ali Carter who was clearly not impressed:-
“I think that he should have made the 147 and given the money to charity – to Cancer Research or Crohn’s Disease Charity or something like that” Carter said “He should have helped somebody out, but he is only thinking of himself again. Unfortunately that is his problem isn’t it” [TICK]
The amount awarded for a 147 break in World Snooker’s prize pot starts at £5000 and goes up £5000 after every tournament in which one is not made.
Clearly money is not the driving force any more with these mega-rich sportsmen so why not add something that they could really feel the value of and motivate them.
Why not make the prize have a charity component. Say that £2500 was for the player and £2500 was for a charity chosen by the player, – increasing as it does now tournament by tournament.
You never know they might give all of the award to charity.
Oh
And why not that approach for the hole in one in golf.
Why not.
