One might think that choosing the perfect trophy is a mundane procedure, yet in a way, the art of award-giving attempts to channel that competitive glare and, indeed, genuinely pay tribute to the athletes. From youth soccer tournaments to a corporate marathon to a high school championship, awards have the power to lend memories both agonizing and pleasant to participants.
Great trophies are more than mere decorations-modern trophies tell a story, symbolize achievement, and help to create a lifetime memory for their athletes.1 But given the endless choices in the world of trophies, how does one choose what’s best for their event?
Giving Your Event a Personality
Every sporting event has its uniqueness about it, and that should find its expression in the kind of trophy you select. A fun run for charity deserves a completely different treatment than a regional championship that is quite serious in nature. Consider the kind of mood you intend for the event to have, the particular age group participating, and the competing level being honored.
For youth sports, more colorful and funky designs are usually better than the boring old formal trophies. Youngsters want trophies that showcase movement and energy-they want something that reflects dynamic poses with loud colors and fun elements that get them excited to show it off to their friends. In turn, adult competitive leagues may very well lean toward more traditional and elegant designs, which really express just how important they are to their sports.
The location and set-up of the event also determine such things. Outdoor adventure races need sturdy, weather-resistant materials, while indoor bowling might allow some delicate designs with detailed intricacies.
Matching Trophies to Specific Sports
Each sport has its way to grant awards. Swimming events might have trophies depicting waves or swimmers, and running events may portray runners in action or have finish line ribbon designs.
Team sports pose an interesting problem because one has to recognize both team and individual accomplishment. Should every member of a team be weird with a set of awards, or shall the individual get something personal? Basketball tournaments might see trophies decorated with basketball motifs and dyed in the team colors, while soccer ones might have trophies decorated with motifs of soccer balls or goalposts.2
More generic athletic designs could fit a more generic occasion, perhaps of track-and-field or triathlon kinds. This gives them the freedom of standing for the common spirit of competition, rather than one particular discipline. Such events will act as examples to try out the specific sports awards ideas that tip the scales for the generic notion of athleticism.
Size and Budget Considerations
The size of a trophy often relates to the importance of the achievement to be rewarded and is centered on the idea that it should not certainly destroy the budget.3 A more extensive and majestic trophy is suitable for championship events. Participation award trophies can be simpler but convey more meaning. Bigger is not always better. Usually, a small, well-designed trophy with some sort of engraving to personalize it makes a more lasting impression on the recipient than a huge generic piece.
Also keep your storage and transport needs in mind. Smaller designs are better when carrying them to an event or when storage space is limited. Many trophy suppliers offer supplementary pricing schemes for awards, where first-place awards are larger and second- and third-place awards are smaller. This way, you can maximize your dollar while still creating a hierarchy in recognition.
Don’t forget about quantity discounts when ordering multiple awards. Higher-volume orders almost always receive better pricing, allowing you to recognize more participants within your budgetary constraints.
Personalization & Chemung Options
A perfect engraving can turn a trophy from just a gold cup into a memento. It can bear the event, date, and achievement, but it can also bear a motivating phrase or logo of the event. In the case of an individual sport, an award could become even more meaningful with the inclusion of best times or scores achieved by the recipient.
Think of engraving: The font style and size should be chosen carefully. Clean and readable fonts are great choices, especially for awards to be displayed or photographed. If the event has a theme or branding, try to bring those elements into the actual engraving design to coordinate award ideas for sports with the entire event presentation.
Other providers might even go on to provide a color fill for engraving or even photogravure, thereby giving an extra special touch to mark truly important achievements or milestone events.4
Quality and Durability
A trophy must stand the test of time; hence, a good investment is in virtues of materials rather than money paid for final returns. Look for solid construction, quality metals for the components, and secure methods of attachment for any figurines or decorative elements. Anything cheap in plastic is bounding to ruin soon, and so the worth of the achievement is lowered.
Consider where the trophy will be placed. If awards are likely to be kept in humid conditions or with temperature fluctuations, assure the material will resist tarnishing or warping and deterioration.
Consider a material and weight for the base. A weighty base offers a sound footing, but it also conveys quality and importance. Marble, wood, or heavy resin bases will normally last better than light plastic varieties.
Making the Final Decision
When you are about to make your selection, try to get feedback from the main stakeholders. Coaches, organizers, and even past participants might have wonderful insights about what kinds of recognitions are mostly appreciated.
Request samples whenever possible, particularly when placing big orders. Touching and seeing to verify if the award meets your criteria for quality and fits your concept for the event is invaluable. Many vendors offer samples or clear photos of the trophy from several angles.
Consider the timing of your order. Custom engravings and special orders might have a longer lead time, so plan appropriately so that your trophies arrive when you need them.
Creating Lasting Memories
Trophy selection is a step beyond the physical award. The event goes into recognizing the athlete who will remember that moment for forever. By investing your time and selecting awards that independently bind the spirit of your tournament to celebrate the achievements they are awarded for and the effort those given have put into all this, you are not only giving out trophies; you’re creating everlasting memories.
Remember that the joy on an athlete’s face as it is presented with a chosen trophy is usually so much greater than any money saved with a generic one. What kinds of problems have you faced in trophy selection in the planning of athletic events? Come here and share them with us so that we can discuss the correct awards that can make your next event even more special!
