Samsung Launches Paralympic Blogger Initiative That Brings ‘Everyone’s Games’ To Life

Exclusive ‘behind-the-scenes’ experience of 50 Paralympic athletes as they take part in the London 2012 Games

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, 28 August, 2012 – Samsung today announced the launch of its ‘Samsung Paralympic Bloggers Programme’ designed to help strengthen London 2012’s legacy. The programme will see 50 Paralympic athletes from 19 countries representing 17 sports and competing in a variety of sporting disciplines, share for the first time their personal behind-the-scenes London 2012 experience; from life in the Village, to training with their coach, to how they pursue excellence and embrace the Paralympic spirit.

The Samsung Paralympic Bloggers will be equipped with the Samsung GALAXY Note that were used in the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games and the application which has been specially developed by LOCOG with all capabilities and needs in mind for all Paralympic bloggers, allowing for all moments to be easily captured using the Samsung GALAXY Note’s 1080p Full HD video. The unique content generated by the athletes can then be effortlessly uploaded to the Samsung Digital Hub and across all IPC and LOCOG social media platforms at just the touch of a button. For the first time the public can engage with a number of Paralympic athletes – and take part in the London 2012 Games.

Samsung has designed a pioneering initiative - the ‘Sport Doesn’t Care Who You Are - Everyone Can Take Part’ campaign - to encourage the public to rethink their attitudes towards Paralympic athletes and to get them to engage in London 2012. The Samsung Paralympic Bloggers programme is part of this campaign, which challenges spectators to focus on ability not disability and simply to engage with the sport.

Commenting on the Samsung Paralympic Bloggers, Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee said:  ‘We are delighted that brands like Samsung are putting the spotlight on Paralympic athletes and highlights their hard work and commitment shared with all athletes around the world.  Let all people engage with the bloggers and the London 2012 Games - they are going to be spectacular.’

Chair of London 2012 Organising Committee Seb Coe said: ‘This project will provide a unique opportunity to get a behind the scenes look at the Paralympic Games through the eyes of the athletes themselves. Thanks to the IPC and Samsung, we have been able to open up the London 2012 Paralympic Games to the world.’

Sunny Hwang, Vice President and Head of Global Sports Marketing at Samsung Electronics, said,            “Samsung has a long history of encouraging integration and equality in sport and the London 2012 Paralympic Games is no exception. Our 50 bloggers, chosen from around the globe and from a wide range of sporting disciplines, will share their fascinating experiences of the Games. As a committed worldwide partner of the Paralympic Games, Samsung is using its technology to bring athletes and spectators closer together, enabling more people to take part in the excitement and inspiration.”

Visit the Samsung Digital Hub to follow the personal stories of the Samsung Paralympic Bloggers and find out more about the ‘Sport Doesn’t Care Who You Are - Everyone Can Take Part’ campaign www.samsung.com/london2012.

Samsung, the Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner for Wireless Communications Equipment, will be demonstrating the latest Smartphones technology in the Olympic Village and throughout London for the duration of the Paralympic Games.