Mary Lou Retton Teams Up with Tyson Foods in a Quest for America's Gold Medal Mom™
2008 U.S. Olympic Team Sponsor Tyson Foods and America's Sweetheart, Mary Lou Retton, Search for the Mom Most Deserving of Gold Medal Recognition
Springdale, Arkansas·January 23, 2008/PR Newswire/—Tyson Foods, Inc., [NYSE: TSN], a Proud Sponsor of the 2008 and 2010 U.S. Olympic Teams, today announced a partnership with Olympic gymnastics champion, Mary Lou Retton, in a nationwide search for the mom most deserving of the title, "Gold Medal Mom™." The Tyson contest, which will be judged in part by Retton, invites Americans to show gratitude for the gold-medal deserving moms in their lives by sharing compelling stories of the moms' selfless dedication to helping others live their dreams. Up to 25 finalists will be selected and voted on by America. One lucky mom will be named the Tyson Gold Medal Mom™ and will receive an all-expense paid trip for two to Beijing, China for the 2008 Olympic Games to cheer on "Team USA"™.*
As a role model and an inspirational speaker, Mary Lou Retton uses her experience in elite-level sport, nutrition and life to provide guidance and support to moms everywhere. As a Gold Medal Mom™ in her own regard, Tyson selected her as the ideal face and voice of the Gold Medal Mom™ program to encourage families everywhere to nominate well-deserving moms.
"When asked what is harder-training for the Olympic Games or being a mother of four-I respond without question 'being a mother of four!'" said Retton, who earned national recognition in 1984 for being the first female gymnast outside of Eastern Europe to win the Olympic all-around title. "Despite its challenges, there is no more important job on Earth than being a mom, which is why I am so thrilled to join Tyson in this important search."
What is a Gold Medal Mom™?
Is she a super mom and a super athlete? Does she offer her time to charitable organizations? Does she work 50 hours a week and still sit down with her family every night for dinner? Or, are there simple, caring things she does every day that make her one in a million? Regardless of the reasons-big or small-any mom could become the Tyson Gold Medal Mom™.
"There is no simple formula for what defines a Gold Medal Mom™. It's something that can be felt, but not easily described," said Dave Hogberg, senior vice president of consumer products for Tyson Foods, Inc. "That is why Tyson is so thrilled to launch the Gold Medal Mom™ Web site-www.goldmedalmom.com. This interactive site allows nominators to vividly demonstrate, through video and images, what makes their mom worthy of this title."
The goldmedalmom.com Web site makes it easy for America to nominate a mom online. The site offers sample entries as well as easy access to an online submission form. Nominators are asked to submit a video and an essay, or a photo and an essay, responding to the question, "What makes the mom you're nominating America's Gold Medal Mom™?"
"A mother's love and dedication are why her children may one day reach the 'podium'-be it at the Olympic Games or in life," said Retton. "The Gold Medal Mom™ contest offers a chance for families to thank mom by showing her that today's success is the result of yesterday's dedication."
The Gold Medal Mom™ contest was developed as part of Tyson's "Thank You, Mom" marketing campaign, which reminds families to thank mom for the simple, caring things she does every day-like putting dinner on the table each night.
Nominating, Voting For and Selecting the Gold Medal Mom
From January 22 through March 31, Americans are invited to submit entries online at goldmedalmom.com or at select Tyson-sponsored events including: the United States Ski and Snowboard Association Freestyle World Cup; the USA Gymnastics FlipFest International; the USSA Freestyle International; the USA Track & Field Millrose Games; the USATF Tyson Invitational; the USAG Tyson American Cup; the Southwestern Athletic Conference Basketball Championships; the USAG Pacific Alliance Cup; and the USSA Freestyle Championships.
On or around April 11, a panel of judges, including Retton, will select 25 finalist nominees from all eligible entries received. Then, from May 11 to June 11, Americans can log on to goldmedalmom.com to vote for the finalist they think is most deserving of the Gold Medal Mom™ title. The Grand Prize winner will be announced after June 18 and awarded a trip for two to cheer on the U.S. Olympic Team at the 2008 Olympic Games, a cash prize and her face on Tyson's U.S. Olympic Team packaging.*
Throughout the nomination and peer voting periods, new entries will be added frequently to the site and inspirational entries can easily be shared electronically with friends and family.
Tyson and the U.S. Olympic Team
As the official chicken, beef and pork Sponsor for the U.S. Olympic Team, Tyson will serve as a vital protein source for America's Olympic hopefuls in Beijing and Vancouver. In addition to supplying product to all three U.S. Olympic Training Centers, Tyson protein will help fuel the athletes during the 30 days when the U.S. Olympic Team is in Beijing for the 2008 Olympic Games, including the 16 days of competition.
For more information about the Tyson Gold Medal Mom™ contest, including official rules, or to nominate a mom today, go to www.goldmedalmom.com.
About Tyson Foods, Inc.
Tyson Foods, Inc. [NYSE: TSN], founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is the world's largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef, and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. Tyson provides products and service to customers throughout the United States and more than 80 countries. The company has approximately 104,000 Team Members employed at more than 300 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.
*See official contest rules at goldmedalmom.com
