P&G’s Duracell has launched its ‘Rely on Copper to Go for the Gold’ program to support American athletes who are preparing for the 2012 Olympics.

Photo: Olympians (from left to right) Mark Lopez, Diana Lopez, Summer Sanders
and Hunter Kemper pose at the Duracell ‘Rely on Copper to Go For the Gold’
Olympic Games launch event, March 21, New York

The program brings together Olympians Hunter Kemper (triathlon), siblings Mark and Diana Lopez (taekwondo), and Olympic Gold Medalist Summer Sanders and the head of the program, the six-time NBA All-Star and 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Dwight Howard.

As part of the program, the Duracell’s online Virtual Stadium will be launched to give fans an opportunity to view live the athletes on the way to the Games as well as inspire them through video, text and photo messages. Participating consumers have the chance to win a trip to the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games or a $500 Visa gift card.

“Whether in training or using battery power in their everyday lives, athletes trust in Duracell to make sure they are always prepared for what life has to offer,” said Volker Kuhn, General Manager for Duracell North America. “Duracell is committed to powering Team USA, and it’s our privilege to provide consumers with a tangible and meaningful way to help athletes achieve their Olympic Games dreams.”

The site visitors can use a navigable mosaic to search for messages left for a specific athlete or sport. The Team USA athletes will also be able to interact with the Virtual Stadium in person through motion-sensing technology.

The Virtual Stadium can be accessed via Facebook and a free mobile application as well as followed on Twitter by using the hashtag #GivePower.

Another P&G’s brand, Pampers, is also supporting Olympic athletes by launching the limited edition ‘USA’ diapers and wipes and partnering with the Team USA Hopeful, Kerri Walsh and her family.