Olympics Gold Medal Swimmers Michael Phelps, Lenny
Krayzelburg, and Ian Crocker to go on "Disney's Swim with the Stars"
tour
Olympic gold medalist swimming sensations Michael Phelps, Lenny Krayzelburg,
and Ian Crocker will embark on the "Disney's Swim with the Stars"
tour of the country, beginning at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
and ending at the Disneyland Resort in California
ANAHEIM, Ca. and LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- America's first-ever eight-time
Olympic medalist Michael Phelps and his gold medalist teammates Lenny
Krayzelburg and Ian Crocker, in their first public appearances in the
United States since winning in Greece, will meet and swim with young American
swimming stars of tomorrow in 12 cities across the country during "Disney's
Swim with the Stars" tour. The nationwide tour begins August 31 at
Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and ends at Disneyland Resort in California.
"Since I was a kid, I've dreamed of winning the gold medal and
shouting 'I'm going to Disney World,' " said Phelps. "Now
I'm really doing it -- and going to Disneyland, too!"
Phelps earned a record-tying eight medals (six gold, two bronze) in
Athens, Greece and will now visit the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
with U.S. swimming teammates Ian Crocker and Lenny Krayzelburg (both
Athens gold medalists for the 400-meter medley relay) upon returning
to the United States. On Aug. 31, the three swimming champions will
serve as grand marshals in a celebratory parade in their honor at the
Magic Kingdom and lead a special swimming clinic at Disney's Typhoon
Lagoon water park. The swimmers will then leave Orlando on September
5 and embark on "Disney's Swim with the Stars" tour, visiting
key cities across the United States.
In addition to sponsoring the tour, the Disney theme parks are creating
a special community outreach program will take place at one school in
each tour city. Local deserving schoolchildren will have the rare opportunity
to meet Phelps, Crocker and Krayzelburg in a motivational 30-minute,
morning, personal appearance filled with expert tips, encouragement
and a surprise appearance by Mickey Mouse -- an unforgettable and inspirational
experience for schoolchildren across the country.
"Disney's Swim with the Stars" tour will culminate at the
Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, bringing the three gold medal
winners to the park as it prepares to celebrate its golden anniversary
in 2005. Following their award-winning athletic performances in Athens
and their cross-country tour, it's only fitting their journey should
end at "The Happiest Place on Earth."
"Disney is all about turning dreams into realities, and through
this tour it's our goal to share the spirit of accomplishment and pride
these great athletes generated in Athens with the gold medal winners
of tomorrow in communities across the country," said Jay Rasulo,
president, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. "There is nothing more
important than sparking the imaginations of our kids and making them
realize that anything is possible -- Michael Phelps, Ian Crocker and
Lenny Krayzelburg proved in Greece that dreams can become realities."
"We're very proud and excited to be the title host sponsor for
this extraordinary tour where these remarkable athletes will inspire
and motivate today's young people to pursue their dreams and goals,"
said Michael Mendenhall, executive vice president, global marketing,
Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. "It's our hope that kids across
America will be encouraged to make their dreams come true like these
three gold medalists."
Each city stop will also feature a first-of-its-kind, two-hour swimming
celebration show, presented by Disney, which will showcase the unparalleled
accomplishments of Michael Phelps, Ian Crocker and Lenny Krayzelburg
in a unique, exciting and intimate atmosphere. Each show will be filled
with special insight into the stars' races and strokes, including demonstrations,
rematches from Athens and a relay with the stars and special guests.
"Disney's Swim with the Stars" tour was developed by Octagon
and its clients, Michael Phelps, Ian Crocker and Lenny Krayzelburg.
Octagon is a global sports and entertainment marketing company.
"Disney's Swim with the Stars" tour schedule
1. Orlando / Walt Disney World Resort (8/31 - 9/2)
2. Atlanta (9/3 - 9/5)
3. New York City (9/6 - 9/9)
4. Baltimore (9/10 - 9/12)
5. Chicago (9/13 - 9/15)
6. Dallas (9/16 - 9/18)
7. Denver (9/19 - 9/20)
8. Las Vegas (9/21 - 9/23)
9. Salt Lake City (9/24 - 9/25)
10. Seattle (9/26 - 9/27)
11. San Francisco (9/28 - 9/30)
12. Anaheim / Disneyland Resort (10/4 - 10/5)
