Olympic Newsdesk - Colbert Enjoying Sponsorship; P&G Helps U.S. Olympic Families

U.S. Comedian Rides Olympic Bandwagon to Vancouver

Comedian Stephen Colbert is playing to the hilt the upcoming Olympics in Vancouver.

His show “The Colbert Report” on U.S. cable channel Comedy Central (not an Olympics rights holder) stepped into the Olympic spotlight in November when he volunteered to become a sponsor for US Speedskating.

The NGB was facing financial problems after the bankruptcy of its major sponsor. Colbert led a fundraising drive that

collected $300,000 for USA Speedskating.

This week his program included a race with gold medal speedskater Shani Davis, who a few weeks ago labeled Colbert “a jerk” for his Olympic antics. All appears to be forgiven: Davis appeared willing to take part in the race at the Olympic Oval in Salt Lake City, which he won easily, even with Colbert spotted with a 500 meter head start.

But while he lost the race, Colbert was exultant when told he would still make the U.S. team for Vancouver— as “Official Assistant Sports Psychologist.” The segment was taped last month.

Also willing to take Colbert’s comic punches: NBC Olympics chairman Dick Ebersol who appeared on the same Jan. 20 program. He invited Colbert to join the NBC team for Olympics, saying he could give updates on Shani Davis. And Ebersol received an oversized check for $1.87 from Colbert, the amount of money Colbert says was raised from viewers to help NBC cover its estimated $200 million loss from the Vancouver Olympics.

Ebersol predicted four U.S. athletes would steal the show in Vancouver: skiier Lindsey Vonn, short track speeedskater Apollo Ohno, snowboarder Shaun White, and speedskater Davis.

Procter & Gamble Sponsors Team USA Families

Procter & Gamble and the USOC will play host to families of U.S. Olympic athletes at their P&G Family Home in Vancouver.

“The Family Home will serve as the home-away-from-home for Team USA and those that mean the most to them,” Kirk Perry, Vice President, North America for P&B, said.

The athletes’ families will have complimentary food, drink and Tide laundry service and be able to watch 24/7 coverage of the Olympics in viewing lounges. The families will also have access to the P&G Beauty and Grooming Salon and Spa, a Pampers play area for toddlers and an internet café.

“At the Olympic Winter Games, our athletes are deeply focused on being-performance-ready and podium-prepared,” Lisa Baird, USOC chief marketingofficer, said.

“The P&G Family Home will allow them to have peace of mind and spend stress-free, invaluable time with their families.”

The P&G Family Home will open Feb. 11-28. It’s located at 850 W. Hastings St. in downtown Vancouver.

Lithuania Approves Olympic Team

Lithuania is sending its smallest delegation to the Olympics since the 1992 Games in Albertville.

The Lithuanian National Olympic Committee (LTOK) approved six athletes to compete at the Games in Vancouver. The lineup includes five skiers and a biathlete.

LTOK President Arturas Poviliunas will head the delegation. Vida Venciene, who won gold in 10 km cross-country skiing for the USSR at the 1988 Calgary Games, is the Chef de Mission

To subscribe to Around the Rings Click Here

Written by Ed Hulla III.