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News > Dive Right In: America's Swim Heroes Make Splash at Walt
Disney World Resort, Kick off 12-city "Disney's Swim with the Stars"
Tour
Disney News
Press Release
Dive Right In: America's Swim Heroes Michael Phelps,
Lenny Krayzelburg, and Ian Crocker Make Splash at Walt Disney World
Resort; Kick off 12-city "Disney's Swim with the Stars" Tour
Olympic stars Michael Phelps, Lenny Krayzelburg, and
Ian Crocker in the first stop of Disney's Swim with the Stars tour appeared
in a parade at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom and then met with Orlando-area
YMCA swimmers at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon water park
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- America's first-ever eight-time 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, were back in the water Tuesday -- this time
at Walt Disney World Resort with young American swimming stars of tomorrow
as part of Disney's Swim with the Stars tour.
Phelps, Krayzelburg and Crocker kicked off "Disney's Swim with
the Stars," a 12-city nationwide tour that culminates Oct. 4-5
at the Disneyland Resort in California.
On Tuesday, America's Athens heroes mingled and swam with young swimmers
from Orlando-area YMCAs in a mock three-team medley relay at Disney's
Typhoon Lagoon water park. With a flag-waving Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse
and Goofy cheering them on and Typhoon Lagoon lifeguards forming the
"lanes," Crocker's team captured the "gold."
"I started swimming at the 'Y'," Crocker said, "so it
was great to be among these young swimmers as they pursue their dreams."
"Hopefully we're able to bring the sport of swimming to a new
level of awareness," added Phelps, "so it's not just an every
four years thing. For us, being at Disney World is just fun. No rest
is needed."
Phelps earned a record-tying eight medals (six gold, two bronze) in
Athens. Crocker and Krayzelburg won gold in the 400-meter medley relay.
To "waves" of cheers from Magic Kingdom guests Tuesday, the
swimmers and their friends rode the watery Splash Mountain attraction.
Later, the trio served as grand marshals in a celebratory parade in
their honor at the Magic Kingdom. The swimmers are scheduled to depart
Orlando on Sept. 2 and embark on "Disney's Swim with the Stars"
tour, visiting cities across the United States.
In addition to sponsoring the tour, the Disney theme parks are creating
a special community outreach program which 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 school children across the country.
"Disney's Swim with the Stars" tour will culminate at the
Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., 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 each swimmer 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 itinerary:
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)
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