A sponsor is like a rowing instructor. They're there to tell you:
- This is how a person rows in general.
- This is how you row in these particular waters.
- You've got your oar upside down.
It's not about chumminess, although both sponsor and sponsee aim to be civil and cordial.
It's not about specialness. The relationship is vital, but the person is no more or less special than anyone else.