It’s good to be an Olympian—especially a member of the USA Bobsled & Skeleton Federation or the USA Speedskating team. Today, BMW is hosting them at the BMW Welt in Munich as part of a “Good Luck” sendoff on their way to the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia.
BMW of North America, the Official Mobility Partner of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), is also the official host of the reception. More than 100 Team USA athletes and representatives were invited to this special reception and dinner later this evening. Festivities will include a special address by USOC Chief of Sport Performance Alan Ashley, traditional German-themed entertainment, and a tribute video to pump up the team as they prepare to compete in the 2014 Winter Games. BMW has also invited all Team USA athletes currently in Munich for USOC team processing to tour its BMW Welt facility for a full BMW brand experience.
A special banner for Team USA athletes will be displayed at the BMW Welt as a result of BMW’s recent Tweet Your Support campaign, which was designed to promote support and enthusiasm for the 2014 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams. In the fall, supporters had the chance to send their well wishes to Team USA on Twitter using the hashtag #BMWtweets4USA. Their tweets have been used by BMW to develop a unique fan-created piece of art for the team.
BMW Welt is right next door to the BMW company headquarters in Munich, and serves as the delivery center for new BMW automobiles and also as a showcase for the BMW Group and its four brands. BMW Welt features product exhibits, automobile and motorcycle displays, and numerous interactive programs to educate visitors on the world of BMW, BMW M, BMW i, BMW Motorrad, Mini, Rolls Royce Motor Cars, and Husqvarna Motorcycles.
As part of its commitment to Team USA, BMW resources and technologies are supporting the training and performance of Team USA athletes and hopefuls. Over the last two years, BMW collaborated with the USA Bobsled & Skeleton Federation to completely redesign the two-man bobsled for Team USA. In October 2013, six new BMW U.S. two-man bobsleds were delivered to Team USA with the goal of carrying Team USA in its pursuit to recapture Olympic gold for the first time in the two-man bobsled event since 1936.
BMW vehicles have won the manufacturer’s championship in Formula One, many touring car championships, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Daytona 24 Hours, and the 12 Hours of Sebring. Mini dominated the Dakar Rally this year, and BMW motorcycles have won their share of titles. BMW has even won the America’s Cup—twice. It’s no wonder they searched for and found another international outlet for their design and engineering talents. After a 78-year drought in Olympic two-man bobsledding, it’s time for the Americans to get the gold again; and if it means riding a BMW to victory, so much the better.—Scott Blazey
To learn more about BMW’s partnership with the USOC and its four national governing body partners—USBSF, US Speedskating, USA Swimming, and USA Track & Field—visit http://www.bmwusa.com/teamusa and www.bmwusanews.com.
