LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Aug. 31, 2004) -- America's first-ever eight-time medalist Michael Phelps and his gold medalist teammates Lenny Krayzelburg and Ian Crocker, in their first public appearances in the United States since winning in Greece, were back in the water Tuesday -- this time at Walt Disney World Resort with young American swimming stars of tomorrow.
Phelps, Krayzelburg and Crocker kicked off "Disney's Swim with the Stars," a 12-city nationwide tour that culminates Oct. 4-5 at the Disneyland Resort in California.
On Tuesday, America's Athens heroes mingled and swam with young swimmers from Orlando-area YMCAs in a mock three-team medley relay at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon water park. With a flag-waving Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy cheering them on and Typhoon Lagoon lifeguards forming the "lanes," Crocker's team captured the "gold."
"I started swimming at the 'Y'," Crocker said, "so it was great to be among these young swimmers as they pursue their dreams."
"Hopefully we're able to bring the sport of swimming to a new level of awareness," added Phelps, "so it's not just an every four years thing. For us, being at Disney World is just fun. No rest is needed."
Phelps earned a record-tying eight medals (six gold, two bronze) in Athens. Crocker and Krayzelburg won gold in the 400-meter medley relay. Later Tuesday, the three swimming champions served as grand marshals in a celebratory parade in their honor at the Magic Kingdom. The swimmers will then leave Orlando on September 2 and embark on "Disney's Swim with the Stars" tour, visiting key cities across the United States.
In addition to sponsoring the tour, the Disney theme parks are creating a special community outreach program that will take place at one school in each tour city. Local deserving schoolchildren will have the rare opportunity to meet Phelps, Crocker and Krayzelburg in a motivational 30-minute, morning, personal appearance filled with expert tips, encouragement and a surprise appearance by Mickey Mouse -- an unforgettable and inspirational experience for schoolchildren across the country.
"Disney's Swim with the Stars" tour will culminate at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, bringing the three gold medal winners to the park as it prepares to celebrate its golden anniversary in 2005. Following their award-winning athletic performances in Athens and their cross-country tour, it's only fitting their journey should end at "The Happiest Place on Earth."
"Disney is all about turning dreams into realities and through this tour it's our goal to share the spirit of accomplishment and pride these great athletes generated in Athens with the gold medal winners of tomorrow in communities across the country," said Jay Rasulo, president, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. "There is nothing more important than sparking the imaginations of our kids and making them realize that anything is possible -- Michael Phelps, Ian Crocker and Lenny Krayzelburg proved in Greece that dreams can become realities."
"We're very proud and excited to be the title host sponsor for this extraordinary tour where these remarkable athletes will inspire and motivate today's young people to pursue their dreams and goals," said Michael Mendenhall, executive vice president, global marketing, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. "It's our hope that kids across America will be encouraged to make their dreams come true like these three gold medalists."
Each city stop will also feature a first-of-its-kind, two-hour swimming celebration show, presented by Disney, which will showcase the unparalleled accomplishments of each swimmer in a unique, exciting and intimate atmosphere. Each show will be filled with special insight into the stars' races and strokes; including demonstrations, rematches from Athens and a relay with the stars and special guests.
"Disney's Swim with the Stars" tour was developed by Octagon and its clients, Michael Phelps, Ian Crocker and Lenny Krayzelburg. Octagon is a global sports and entertainment marketing company.
