P&G to Support Canadian Olympic Hopefuls

Procter & Gamble Canada (P&G), in cooperation with the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), announced its sponsorship of nine Canadian Olympic hopefuls as they prepare to represent the country at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Each athlete will serve as an ambassador for P&G brands and will be integrated across various marketing channels including advertising, in-store promotions, public relations, digital and social media.

“The Canadian Olympic Committee is pleased to partner with P&G as they continue to help make a lasting difference for athletes, moms and families in Canada and around the world,” said Marcel Aubut, president, Canadian Olympic Committee. “We appreciate their continued support of Canadian athletes on their journeys to London 2012.”

Globally, P&G will support 200 athletes, the largest group ever sponsored by an Olympic partner, and is committed to support the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) for the next ten years.

“We are committed to being the best partner the Olympic Movement has ever had,” said Thom C. Lachman, president, Procter & Gamble Canada. “Athletes inspire us with their dedication to perform at their best every day and their commitment to excellence, which is why we are extremely proud to support and champion these nine world class athletes.”

Canadians from coast to coast can share in the Olympic Games spirit leading up to London 2012 and beyond, and stay up-to-date with the athletes’ progress by visiting the Thank You Mom Facebook page via www.pg.ca/moms.

As part of its global Olympic Games sponsorship, P&G is also committed to honour the moms of athletes around the world through its “Thank You Mom” campaign, which celebrates every mom who does whatever it takes to help make her kid’s life the best it can be.

Through this program, P&G will help the moms of Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic teams attend the Olympic Games to see their children compete or stay connected to their children throughout the Olympic Games via technology.

At the Canada Olympic House on-site in London, moms, athletes and families will be able to find a “home away from home” and enjoy amenities like beauty treatments and laundry services. For more information on P&G’s Thank You Mom campaign, visit: www.pg.ca/moms.

About the athletes:

Adam van Koeverden (kayak), sponsored by P&G Corporate Scale. This Oakville, Ontario born athlete is a three-time Olympic medalist, two-time World Champion and holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest 500m ever in a canoe or kayak. Adam is teaming up with P&G to thank the heroes who help athletes reach their dreams – Moms.

Alexandre Despatie (diving), sponsored by Gillette. A Montreal native and winner of 36 Canadian senior diving championships, Alexandre is also the only diver ever to have achieved World Champion status in all 3 diving categories – the 1-meter and 3-meter springboards, and 10-meter platform. Outside of the pool, Alexandre gets a great start to his day with Gillette.

Paula Findlay (triathlon), sponsored by P&G Female Beauty. The 23-year old Edmonton, Alberta native was the first Canadian athlete to win a World Championship Series event, winning the gold medal at the 2010 World Championship Series event in London, England. P&G Beauty, makers of brands including Herbal Essences, Venus, Olay, & Clairol is proud to be able to support Paula’s journey to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Clara Hughes (cycling), sponsored by Secret. A Winnipeg native, Clara is the first Canadian to medal in both the Olympic Games and Olympic Winter Games in road bicycle racing and speed-skating, winning a total of six medals. One more medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games will make her Canada’s most decorated Olympian ever. Clara and Secret are teaming up to help give women the fearlessness and courage to help them outlast even the most difficult challenges.

Priscilla Lopes-Schliep (athletics, 100m hurdles), sponsored by Pampers. Hailing from Whitby, Ontario, Priscilla brought home the first medal for Canada since the Atlanta 1996 Olympics Games and the first medal for a Canadian woman in Olympic track and field at the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games. This Olympian, wife and new mom, through her partnership with Pampers, will engage moms across the country by sharing her story of balancing personal and professional goals, including her hopes of returning to the podium in London this summer.

Annamay Pierse (swimming), sponsored by Pantene Pro-V. Annamay Pierse, 28, is the world record holder in the 200m breaststroke long course and the Canadian record holder in the 100m and 200m breaststroke long and short courses. Pantene is partnering with Annamay, not only for her vast accomplishments in sports, but also for her dedication to a healthy lifestyle and her ability to inspire women to embrace their own strength and femininity.

Christine Sinclair (soccer), sponsored by Tide. Born in Burnaby, BC, Christine has distinguished herself throughout her career earning designations as Top US College Soccer Player, College Female Athlete of the Year, Canadian Soccer Association Player of the Year and FIFA’s World Player of the Year. In her journey to the London 2012 Olympic Games, Christine is teaming up with Tide to help Canadians celebrate the country’s colours.

Mary Spencer (boxing), sponsored by COVERGIRL. This 27-year-old boxer from Wiarton, Ontario is a Gold medal favourite for female boxing which will be included in the Olympic Games for the first time this year. Ranked #1 in Canada and the world, Mary has dominated the sport, earning three Women’s World Championships, eight National Championships and five Gold medals at the Pan American Games. COVERGIRL will support Mary Spencer to help celebrate the power and strength in beauty.

Simon Whitfield (triathlon), sponsored by Duracell. Simon Whitfield, from Victoria, BC is a three-time Canadian Olympian whose career highlights include: 12 national championships, 14 world cup victories, a gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and a silver medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Duracell Canada will help power Simon in his race for gold. He relies on Copper to go for the Gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

P&G made this announcement Friday, March 9.