WWE issued the following tonight:
WWE® BECOMES FOUNDING PARTNER FOR 2014 SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA
GAMES
East Rutherford, NJ – April 7, 2013 - WWE (NYSE: WWE)
announced today it has become a Founding Partner for the 2014 Special Olympics
USA Games, a national sporting event taking place in New Jersey June 14-21,
2014. The announcement was made on stage during WrestleMania® 29 at MetLife
Stadium with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, 2014 USA Games Chairman &
CEO TJ Nelligan, President of Special Olympics, North America Bob Gobrecht,
President of Special Olympics New Jersey Marc Edenzon, WWE Executive Vice
President, Creative Stephanie McMahon and Special Olympics athletes Ashley Weber
of New Jersey and David Dennin of Connecticut.
Nearly 3,500 athletes
will travel to New Jersey for the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games to compete in
16 Olympic-style team and individual sports, with the support of 1,000 coaches,
10,000 volunteers and an anticipated 70,000 spectators. The 2014 USA Games will
celebrate the Special Olympics movement, promote the ideals of acceptance and
inclusion through sport and showcase the abilities of athletes with intellectual
disabilities. The 2014 USA Games will be staged throughout Mercer County, NJ
including competitions at Princeton University, Rider University, the College of
New Jersey and Mercer County Park, with the Opening Ceremonies taking place at
the Prudential Center in Newark.
“New Jersey is honored to have been
selected to host the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games. We are excited for these
games to not only bring participants and spectators to our state, but we are
thrilled at the opportunity to show others from around the nation, the true
spirit of New Jersey,” said Governor Chris Christie. “These Games expand the
reach of inclusion and acceptance and allows a wider audience to recognize and
applaud the talents of the athletes who are participating in the 2014 Special
Olympics USA Games.”
WWE will utilize all of its platforms, including TV
broadcasts, live events, digital and social media to generate awareness and
raise funds in support of the USA Games. WWE will serve as the Official
Production Partner of the Games, filming the Opening Ceremonies as well as
producing daily recaps of the sporting competitions and special events
throughout the Games. WWE will also produce an hour-long television show
highlighting the Games. WWE Superstars and Divas will participate in various
events in conjunction with the promotion of the 2014 USA Games, and WWE
employees will serve as volunteers at the Games. Additionally, WWE will make a
financial contribution to support the Games.
“As evidenced by WWE’s Be a
STAR anti-bullying alliance, which aims to build a positive and equitable
environment through education and awareness, we knew we found a perfect partner
in the WWE for the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games,” said TJ Nelligan, Chairman
& CEO of the 2014 USA Games. “The drive behind Special Olympics is to build
communities of inclusion and acceptance for individuals with intellectual
disabilities through sport. The 2014 USA Games is a celebration of these efforts
on a national scale. We are proud to partner with the WWE so that we can expand
our reach and showcase how remarkable our athletes truly are.”
“WWE is
proud to serve as a Founding Partner of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games and
utilize our global platforms to bring more attention to the accomplishments of
so many determined and extraordinary athletes,” said WWE Chairman and CEO, Vince
McMahon. “WWE, its Superstars and employees look forward to being a part of
these important events.”
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