Pictured during the check presentation, which took place at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2003 Special Olympics South Carolina (USA) Fall Games on 31 October 2003, are (left to right) Mike Sylvester, Marketing Manager, Corporate Development, Special Olympics; Sheryl Henderson, Michelin Marketing Director; The Michelin Man; John Tully, Michelin Director of Community Relations; and Jim Schmutz, Managing Director, Special Olympics North America.
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The Michelin Man™ made an appearance at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2003 Special Olympics South Carolina (USA) Fall Games, 31 October 2003. Joining the Michelin Man were Sheryl Henderson, Michelin Marketing Director, and John Tully, Michelin Director of Community Relations, who were on hand to present a check for US$250,000 to Jim Schmutz, Managing Director of Special Olympics North America. The check presentation highlighted Michelin's commitment to Special Olympics USA, in particular this past summer's Michelin Man bobblehead doll promotion.
The company and its representatives received a standing ovation from the athletes, coaches, families and volunteers who packed the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium for the Opening Ceremonies. Each athlete received a Michelin Man bobblehead for participating in the 2003 Fall Games.
"Michelin is thrilled to provide support for the Special Olympics through the creation and sale of the Michelin Man bobblehead," said Henderson. "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."
Schmutz said, "Special Olympics North America is extremely grateful for the generous support of Michelin North America, which organized the bobblehead promotion, raising $250,000 to support Special Olympics athletes across North America. Rest assured the money will be well invested in the development of our Program to support current and future athletes with quality sport programs in a way that results in positive public attitude of respect."
During the very popular promotion, consumers purchasing a full set of Michelin brand tires at participating retailers received a free bobblehead. Consumers also had the opportunity to bid on the Michelin Man's personal bobblehead collection, with characters ranging from Rocky Balboa to Scooby Doo; this auction also helped raise addition revenue for the movement.
Michelin is a world leader in the tire industry and produces over 190 million tires annually. Michelin produces tires for every type of vehicle such as passenger cars, trucks, aircrafts and two wheelers. Fortune magazine recently rated Michelin as one of the top 50 most admired companies in the world. For more information on the Michelin Man bobblehead promotion, or to learn more about tires and tire maintenance, visit http://www.michelinman.com/. |
