Michelin Presents $250,000 Donation to the Special Olympics
The Michelin Man(TM) helps raise funds through the sale and online auction of bobbleheads
GREENVILLE, S.C., Nov. 1 -- After a summer of raising funds through the sale and auction of bobbleheads, Michelin North America, Inc. presented a $250,000 check to the Special Olympics during yesterday's opening ceremonies of the South Carolina Fall Games in Spartanburg.
Michelin raised the $250,000 through the sale and distribution of nearly 100,000 Michelin Man bobblehead dolls. The bobbleheads, made popular by Michelin's television advertising campaign, were sold to consumers online and distributed by authorized Michelin dealers in the United States to consumers who purchased new Michelin(R) passenger car or light truck tires.
Adding to the effort, the Michelin Man's own private bobblehead collection was put up for auction. Bidding for the collection, ranging from Mickey Mantle to Dick Tracy, was open to collectors nationwide.
More than 580 athletes, 150 volunteer coaches and 500 day-of-event volunteers were on hand at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium for the check presentation and to kick off the 2003 Fall Games, a perfect setting for Michelin to reinforce its ongoing support of the Special Olympics.
"Michelin is thrilled to provide support for the Special Olympics through the creation and sale of the Michelin Man bobblehead," said Sheryl Henderson, director of Michelin Brand, Michelin North America, Inc. "We're proud to support an organization whose athletes strive for excellence and superior performance -- qualities that are synonymous with Michelin's values. It's evident that the athletes who participate in these games have the same passion we do for being the best."
Special Olympics South Carolina, Inc. provides year-round Olympic-type sports training and competition for more than 15,500 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in all of South Carolina's 46 counties. This year, the South Carolina Special Olympics will hold their fall games from October 31 through November 2 giving athletes the chance to compete in bocce, golf, roller-skating, soccer, tennis and volleyball among other sports.
"Thanks to Michelin North America and the Michelin Man, the Special Olympics are receiving some major support," said Jim Smutz, managing director of Special Olympics North America. "Michelin's gift will enable Special Olympics athletes around the country to experience the excitement and rewards of friendly competition."
Remaining Michelin Man bobblehead dolls are still available online at 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 Shiver, 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, motorcycles 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 (www.michelinman.com) employs 24,640 and operates 22 plants in 18 locations.