Kiwi Cyclist Alison Shanks Named as P&G Olympic Ambassador

Official Olympic Games sponsor and Proud Sponsor of Mums, Procter & Gamble (P&G) today announced its support of New Zealand cyclist Alison Shanks as part of its campaign for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Alison Shanks is an Olympic hopeful and with her place in the New Zealand Olympic team for 2012 she will take the hopes of a nation to London.

Shanks was recently crowned World Champion for the 3,000 metre individual pursuit in Melbourne.

Shanks says she is thrilled to be supported by P&G for the 2012 London Olympic Games.

"P&G is a company known for some of New Zealand's most loved household brands, all designed to make our lives and the lives of our mums easier, I'm honoured to have their support," says Shanks.

"As a Proud Sponsor of Mums, P&G gives us athletes and our parents support from behind the scenes, and sometimes this is where we need it the most," she says.

P&G is the company behind some of New Zealand's favourite brands including Gillette, Pantene, Oral-B, Metamucil, Vicks, Head & Shoulders and Ambi Pur.

P&G and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) agreed on a global partnership for the next five Olympic Games from London 2012 Olympic Games through to the 2020 Olympic Games.

P&G will sponsor the next five Olympic Games including London 2012, Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games, Rio 2012 Olympic Games as well as the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games and the 2020 Olympic Games.

The agreement gives P&G global sponsorship rights, enabling the company to take the Olympic Games to the four billion consumers worldwide who use P&G brands today.

"The Olympic Games are all about improving life through sport and P&G's purpose is to touch and improve lives. We are delighted to have P&G as a partner - making a difference for athletes, mums and families," said Kereyn Smith, NZOC Secretary General.

Through the support of Shanks P&G begins their long-standing commitment to improve lives through sport. P&G aims to support athletes and their mums every step of the way.

P&G spokesperson Alicia Gorken says P&G and its brands embrace the same philosophy as athletes - always striving to be the best.

"Each product we create that makes the lives of Kiwi mums easier is a win for us," says Gorken.

"Every Olympic athlete has a mum and mums are constantly with their children, nurturing and encouraging them and helping them realise their dreams," she says.

P&G has been supporting New Zealanders for over 25 years with products designed to make everyday tasks a little easier and more enjoyable.

"The company helps to support mums everywhere in small but meaningful ways. That's why P&G likes to think of itself as the Proud Sponsor of Mums," says Gorken.

"Through countless sacrifices they are loving nurturers and selfless providers and motivators as well as chauffeurs and doers of laundry and dishes. P&G has helped mums for over 170 years, and will continue its quest to serve mums, helping her care for her family every step of the way," she says.