Lindsey Vonn teams with USOC to raise funds

By Published On: June 4th, 2009Comments Off on Lindsey Vonn teams with USOC to raise funds

U.S. Ski Team headliner Lindsey Vonn has joined forces with the U.S. Olympic Committee to raise funds while Americans are feeling patriotic this summer. USA Today reported yesterday that the two-time World Cup overall champion, along with gymnast Shawn Johnson, basketball player Lisa Leslie, freestyle skier Ryan St. Onge and several other Olympians will be part of a fundraising effort between now and Independence Day.

The idea for the campaign was sparked as a way for the American public to connect with the athletes.

The athletes will appear in TV and print ads as part of the “America Supports Team USA” campaign.  The USOC will also utilize its website to collect “instant donations” and sell t-shirts to raise money.

As the USOC does not receive government funding, it relies on broadcast rights and sponsorships to support athletes.

According to the USA Today report the USOC  “plans to run the new fundraising campaign every year at this time.”

The USOC itself has faced hardships in the current slow economy, including layoffs in March and the lose of sponsors General Motors and Home Depot. 

“It is an uncertain time for Americans because of the economy,” said USOC chief marketing officer Lisa Baird. “Sports, as you see, is not immune to the current economic situation.”

The campaign will also feature: ice dancing couples Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto and Meryl Davis and Charlie White, figure skaters Jeremy Abbott and Johnny Weir, snowboarders Gretchen Bleiler and Louie Vito, speedskater Trevor Marsicano and track and field athlete Marlon Shirley.

U.S. Ski Team headliner Lindsey Vonn has joined forces with the U.S. Olympic Committee to raise funds while Americans are feeling patriotic this summer. USA Today reported yesterday that the two-time World Cup overall champion, along with gymnast Shawn Johnson, basketball player Lisa Leslie, freestyle skier Ryan St. Onge and several other Olympians will be part of a fundraising effort between now and Independence Day.

The idea for the campaign was sparked as a way for the American public to connect with the athletes.

The athletes will appear in TV and print ads as part of the “America Supports Team USA” campaign.  The USOC will also utilize its website to collect “instant donations” and sell t-shirts to raise money.

As the USOC does not receive government funding, it relies on broadcast rights and sponsorships to support athletes.

According to the USA Today report the USOC  “plans to run the new fundraising campaign every year at this time.”

The USOC itself has faced hardships in the current slow economy, including layoffs in March and the lose of sponsors General Motors and Home Depot. 

“It is an uncertain time for Americans because of the economy,” said USOC chief marketing officer Lisa Baird. “Sports, as you see, is not immune to the current economic situation.”

The campaign will also feature: ice dancing couples Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto and Meryl Davis and Charlie White, figure skaters Jeremy Abbott and Johnny Weir, snowboarders Gretchen Bleiler and Louie Vito, speedskater Trevor Marsicano and track and field athlete Marlon Shirley.

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About the Author: Pete Rugh