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The following letter by Claudia Montgomery was sent to Stay Free! after I posted a request to hear from fans on a Nike bulletin board. Although written for Nike, Claudia never sent it.

Nike Inc.
One Bowman Dr.
Beavertown, Oregon
97005

Dear Nike Inc.:

I have been thinking about this for some time now, so I decided to put it on paper. I have an idea for a commercial/advertisement. I am sure that you receive many letters like this, so I will be as brief as possible. First, a little background on myself. That way maybe then you will understand my idea and thought a bit better.

I am 37. I grew up loving sports. I play basketball, volleyball, and softball. I have never been a gifted athlete. I just try my best to be as good as I can. As I matured my life took various turns, most not for the better. The sports that I loved so much faded with the increased use of drugs and alcohol. Self-destruction took over for many years. I am one of the lucky ones, because one day I looked in the mirror, and hated what I saw and what I had become. I had to do something about it or die that way. I admitted myself into a care unit, and began the agonizing process of rediscovery and recovery from my addictions. The years have passed and I am very grateful for all the people along the way, and the strength I found within myself to remain clean and sober for over 10 year now. I also quit smoking after 13 years. I once again enjoy the sports and things that I so once loved. Softball is now my sport as well as weightlifting. I enjoy every minute of it. I do it wearing Nike! I am one of your most loyal customers. My closet is full of shoes and clothes. I guess one could say I have traded addictions! At least this one is healthy.

I have watched your ad campaigns with great amazement. They can make one feel a wide variety of emotions. I love the one "If You Let Me Play Sports." Wow!! The one that featured Ric Munoz had to be an inspiration to many. I would like for you to think about my idea. I think that there is another sector of people that you could tap into. I know that if I saw it on TV, I would pay attention. It is an ad that would reach out to those that are still struggling with addictions and feeling lost. It is for those who have found themselves and started to live again. It is for those of us who are not that elite athlete, but one who puts all they have into trying to be the best that they can be in spite of any limitations. It is for those that truly believe in themselves.

I have a tattoo that is a reminder to me. It is Kanji writing with other ornamentals around it. It says "believe in yourself." A picture is enclosed. There is a Nike swoosh also. I have never believed in a company as much as I do Nike. It does many things for so many different people. So here is my thought, idea for a commercial.

"Somewhere, at this very moment, there is a man or a woman. They could be young, or they could be old. They feel as if they have lost their souls. It is a turning point in their life. They dig deep within to change themselves. To regain their soul, and to regain themselves. They do this because they realize they deserve better. They do this because they believe in themselves. I believe in me, do you believe in you?"

Even if you are to never use this, I have done a good thing. I have spoken what I feel inside. Not only about myself, but also about Nike. I thank you so much for your time. Keep the great products coming! I think I need an addition added on to my house. I have run out of closet space for all my Nike shoes.

Respectfully,

Claudia S. Montgomery