Michelin Man(TM) Gives a Nod to Special Olympics Athletes
Michelin North America, Inc. to Donate Portions of Michelin Man (TM) Bobblehead Sales to Special Olympics
GREENVILLE, S.C., April 1 -- The Michelin Man(TM) is extending a helping hand -- and giving a nod -- to Special Olympics athletes this summer. Michelin North America, Inc., the world's leading tire manufacturer, is producing Michelin Man(TM) bobblehead dolls and making them available at www.michelinman.com and through retailers with a portion of the proceeds to benefit Special Olympics. The donation from bobblehead sales is part of a $250,000 donation Michelin will make to Special Olympics this year.
The Michelin Man bobblehead dolls will be sold for $16.75 from June 1 through July 31, 2003 online at www.michelinman.com. In addition, consumers can receive a free bobblehead from participating dealers when they purchase a set of four Michelin(R) brand tires during June and July.
"Michelin conveys excellence through tire innovation and Special Olympics is a great way for individuals with mental retardation to showcase their athletic ability," says Libby Andrews, director, Corporate Development, Special Olympics North America. "Striving to be the best, whether it's in athletic competition or on the highway, is what our partnership is all about."
The bobbleheads were produced due to an overwhelming response from consumers after the bobblehead commercial aired last year. Advertisements began re-airing March 8, 2003.
"Michelin and Special Olympics are both devoted to building confidence," says Sheryl Henderson, director of Michelin Brand, Michelin North America, Inc. "Having the right tires on your car can build confidence as a driver and competing on the sports field can build confidence as a person. We are pleased to partner with an organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities."
As an additional fundraiser, Michelin will offer visitors to the Michelin Performance Series the chance to ride Segway Human Transporters -- outfitted with Michelin designed tires and wheels -- for a $2 donation to Special Olympics.
The Michelin Performance Series is an interactive traveling exhibit of Michelin North America, Inc. in which consumers will be able to experience virtual reality exhibits, play video and trivia games, ride Segways and view a Formula One show car.
The tour runs April through October. First stops include Chicago, Ill.; Carlisle, Penn. (Spring Carlisle Auto Show); Concord, N.C. (NASCAR Winston Cup Race); Memphis, Tenn. (Ducks Unlimited Outdoor Show); and Monterey, Calif. (Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca). For more information, about Michelin Man bobbleheads and Michelin Performance Series, visit www.michelinman.com.
About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is an international year-round program of sports training and competition for individuals with mental retardation. More than one million athletes in over 150 countries train and compete in 26 Olympic-type summer and winter sports.
Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with mental retardation continuing opportunities to develop fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with their families and community. Athletes and their families are not charged a fee to participate in Special Olympics. Visit Special Olympics online at www.specialolympics.org or on AOL Keyword: Special Olympics
About Michelin North America, Inc.
Michelin manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, maps and atlases covering Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America employs 24,640 people and operates 22 plants in 18 locations.