Tuesday, May 04, 2010

Milorad Čavić and Gold Medalist Michael Phelps to Sign Famous Bejing Olympic's "Out-Touch" Photo for Charity


I just got this press release from Arena and I am posting it here since it is all about supporting a noble purpose:

CARLSBAD, Calif., - May 4, 2010 – Arena, one of the leading waterwear companies in the world, today announced former elite team member Franziska Van Almsick will be inducted at the 46TH annual International Swimming Hall Of Fame (ISHOF). In addition, Arena current elite team member Milorad Cavic, along with Michael Phelps will sign the famous “touch” photo from the 2008 Beijing Olympics at the induction ceremony.

An important part of the gala night will be the silent auction featuring: a framed photo of the famous Olympic “Touch” (in the 200 [100] fly final) signed by Michael Phelps, Milorad Cavic and legendary Sports Illustrated photographer Heinz Kluetmeier. Proceeds from the silent auction will go directly to the International Swimming Hall of Fame so it can further develop programs that encourage people to participate in all forms of water sports. A portion of funds from the sales of Dr. Guy Harvey paintings will support his Ocean’s Foundation.

“It is important that Arena elite swimmers, like Cavic, are able to use their celebrity to give back to charitable foundations, such as the International Swimming Hall of Fame,” said Bryan Smeltzer, vice president of marketing, Arena USA. “Arena applauds Van Almsick for his [her] achievements and this great honor of being inducted this weekend.”

In addition, Arena will be showcasing its heritage and US history at an exclusive Arena exhibit at ISHOF. Arena recently re-entered to the US market and plans on launching its new line in late Spring 2010. Arena is preparing for a big come back in the United States, and has signed a select number of prestigious sponsorship agreements with top level American Swimmers (Aaron Peirsol, Rebecca Soni and Eric Shanteau), as well as two of the most competitive NCAA Swimming Teams (The Men/Women’s Swimming Programs at the University of Auburn and the Men’s Swimming Program at the University of CAL Berkeley).

This year’s class includes include Honor Swimmers Brooke Bennett (USA), Petria Thomas (Australia) and Franziska Van Almsick (Germany); Honor Synchronized Swimmer, Maria Kisseleva (Russia); Honor Open Water Swimmer, Paul Asmuth (USA); Honor Swimming Coaches, Murray Stephens (USA) and Tamas Szechy (Hungary); Honor Pioneer Diver, Larry Griswold (USA); Honor Pioneer Swimmer, Teofilo Yldefonso (Philippines); and, Honor Contributor, Cornel Marculescu (Romania). Dr. Guy Harvey (Jamaica) will receive ISHOF’s Gold Medallion Award as a former competitive swimmer who has achieved international recognition in another field.

The International Swimming Hall of Fame Honoree Festival is a multi-day celebration of the enshrinement of the newest Hall of Fame Class. To be held in Fort Lauderdale, May 6 – 9, 2010 the festival includes a number of special public events featuring the Enshrinement Ceremony on Saturday evening, May 8, 2010. Other major public events include the AT&T USA Diving Grand Prix (all day, May 6 – May 9), the Hall of Fame open water swim (Saturday morning, May 8) and the Paragon Awards (Friday evening, May 7).

Arena is distributed in the United States by Arena USA, based in Carlsbad, California.

6 comments:

flipdip said...

I think that's big of Milorad Cavic :)

Noticed this amusing typo - "Arena applauds Van Almsick for his achievements" - she sure could beat a bunch of men, probably. Sad she never got that elusive Olympic gold.

Tony Austin said...

Finally a typo that is not mine. ;-)

Anonymous said...

I thought an even more amusing typo was referring to the famous Olympic “Touch” as the 200 fly final and not the 100 fly final. Did Cavic even swim in the 200 fly?

Tony Austin said...

I did not write the press release... Anonymous, how come you posted anonymously?

Tony Austin said...

I fixed it and put my edits in brackets

Trev said...

Huge of Cavic to do this. Love both those guys.