NYC2012 Launches Merchandise

NEW YORK, July 15. NEW York City's bid for the 2012 Olympic Games got a boost today as Olympians helped launch a line of NYC2012 logo merchandise at leading New York City retail establishments. The launch marked the formal submission by the USOC of New York to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the U.S. Applicant City for 2012.

A special, limited-edition collectible pin celebrating the July 15 formal filing date was given to the first consumers who purchased NYC2012 product at participating retailers. The NBC Experience Store hosted a special "Pin Trading Day" with traders from around the country to celebrate this Olympic tradition.

Olympians Gary Hall, Jr. (Swimming, 1996: 2 Gold, 2 Silver, 2000: 2 Gold, Silver, Bronze), Bob Beamon (Track and Field, 1968: Gold), Ike Berger (Weightlifting, 1956: Gold, 1960: Silver, 1964: Silver), Diane Dixon (Track and Field, 1984: Gold, 1988: Silver), Tom LaGarde (Basketball, 1976: Gold), Gail Marquis (Basketball, 1976: Silver), Kevin Young (Track and Field, 1988, 1992: Gold), WNBA player Nykesha Sales, as well as Miss USA 2003 Susie Castillo, took part at events throughout the day at Bloomingdale's, Modell's Times Square, the NBA Store, and the NBC Experience Store.

Other participating retailers include the CityStore, the official store of New York City, Paradies Gifts at the US Air concourse at LaGuardia airport and WH Smith locations at JFK and Newark International airports and Penn Station.

At Modell's Times Square, children from local YMCAs received instruction from the athletes and, along with everyone who purchased a NYC2012 product, signed a giant banner to show support for NYC2012's bid.

"We are delighted that Olympians and retailers are excited to help launch the NYC2012 product line," said Amy Stanton, Director of Marketing & Communications of NYC2012. "Now New Yorkers and visitors to the city can visibly show their support for New York's Olympic Bid. We hope everyone who loves New York takes part in what is destined to become part of the heritage of this historic bid."

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of such merchandise as tee-shirts, shorts, bags, caps and pins over the next 24 months will support New York's effort to be named the 2012 Host City.

"Today's initiative is yet another part of the exciting wave of ongoing Olympics-related activity in New York City during this Summer of Championships," said Stanton. In June, a Fencing World Cup competition took place at Columbia University and Grand Central's Vanderbilt Hall. This week also marked the beginning of the 42nd World Archery Championships, held in Van Cortlandt Park and Central Park through July 20. The 2003 Ford ITU New York City World Cup Triathlon is slated for August 10th in the Hudson River and Central Park. And in September, the 2003 World Championships of Freestyle Wrestling comes to Madison Square Garden, "the World's Most Famous Arena."

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use