Chobani Fuels Team USA on the Road to Sochi

NEW BERLIN, N.Y., Oct. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- As U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes embark on the final 100 days of training, Chobani, Inc., maker of America's No. 1–selling Greek Yogurt brand, is helping to naturally power six athletes' journeys to the Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131028/NY05048LOGO )

Representing a cross section of sports and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams, the six members of Team Chobani were hand-selected for the pledge they made years ago to themselves, their friends and family, and their coaches and trainers: to embody a tireless work ethic, to relentlessly strive to be the best and to reach beyond what they thought was possible.

"Our approach is not out of the typical corporate play book – we're truly honored to support these amazing athletes given that they, like us, understand and embrace the importance of never cutting corners and having a genuine dedication to doing things the right way. It's how they train, and it's how we craft each and every cup of Chobani," said Peter McGuinness, Chobani's chief marketing and brand officer. "The journey of each of these athletes is as incredible as their medals and accolades. We are proud to help naturally power Team USA and will be rooting for them on the road to Sochi."

Chobani Greek Yogurt has a prominent place in the refrigerators of these medal hopefuls and many other athletes as the yogurt served at the U.S. Olympic Training Centers.

"The nutrition profile of Chobani Greek Yogurt – with the combination of protein, carbohydrates and calcium – is ideal for athletes," said Susie Parker-Simmons, senior sport dietitian for the U.S. Olympic Committee. "Particularly in the final 100 days leading up to competition, it's important for athletes to optimize their body composition and fueling practices to power top performances."

As a supporter of Team USA during the Olympic and Paralympic Games for the second time, Chobani will be participating in the Road to Sochi tour, delivering full-size samples across the U.S. leading up to the Games, kicking off with the 100 Day Countdown celebration Oct. 29 in New York City's Times Square.

Team Chobani

Lindsey Jacobellis (Snowboard Cross)
Favorite Chobani flavor: Vanilla
Lindsey Jacobellis started snowboard cross racing at the age of 11, and by 15 was invited to compete in the X Games. One of the most dominant snowboard cross competitors, Lindsey is a two-time U.S. Olympian and captured silver at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games.

Allison Jones (Para Cycling) 
Favorite Chobani flavor: Raspberry
Allison Jones is a six-time Paralympian, medaling in both cycling and skiing. Her amazing record consists of two silver medals in skiing at Salt Lake City (2002), gold in skiing at Torino (2006), silver in cycling at Beijing (2008), and gold and two bronze in cycling at London (2012). Allison is a seven-time Para-Cycling World Champion and multiple-time National Champion in both skiing and cycling.

Hannah Kearney (Mogul Skiing)
Favorite Chobani flavor: Passion Fruit
Hannah Kearney grew up on the ski slopes of Vermont, so skiing is in her blood. Beginning at a young age, Hannah worked to perfect her mogul style and has experienced success at every level, most notably winning a gold medal at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Zach Parise (Ice Hockey)
Favorite Chobani flavor: Vanilla Chocolate Chunk
Zach Parise is no stranger to the world stage – he represented the USA at the 2004 World Junior Championships and 2010 Olympic Winter Games, earning a gold and silver medal, respectively. Zach is currently a left wing for the Minnesota Wild in the National Hockey League.

Rico Roman (Sled Hockey)
Favorite Chobani flavor: Black Cherry
In 2007, while serving in the U.S. Army and stationed in Iraq, Rico Roman was injured by an improvised explosive device. On account of the injury, Rico was forced to have his left leg amputated above the knee. He was introduced to the sport of sled hockey by Operation Comfort, an organization dedicated to assisting injured U.S. service personnel, and once he mastered it, there was no looking back.    

Evan Strong (Para-Snowboard Cross)
Favorite Chobani flavor: Plain
Evan Strong grew up in Hawaii, where he fell in love with action sports. At the age of 17 he was hit head-on by an SUV while riding his motorcycle. The accident changed his life and later ignited his passion to be the best in the sport of Para-Snowboard Cross. Evan is the reigning Para-Snowboard Cross World Champion and was the Winter X Games 15 Gold Medalist.  He is an eight-time World Cup Gold Medalist and is considered the favorite to win gold in Sochi.

For more information about Team Chobani, stay tuned to www.facebook.com/chobani.  

About Chobani, Inc.
Maker of America's No. 1–selling Greek Yogurt brand, Chobani was founded on the belief that people have great taste, they just need great options. That is why Chobani produces only the highest quality authentic strained Greek Yogurt products made with only natural ingredients out of its New Berlin, New York plant and its one-million-square-foot production facility in Twin Falls, Idaho. As part of Chobani's nothing but good philosophy, it is committed to supporting local farmers and strengthening its surrounding area economies. Chobani uses milk from local-area farms and also gives 10 percent of its annual profits to charities worldwide through the Shepherd's Gift Foundation, the company's charitable arm. All Chobani products have more protein than regular, unstrained yogurt, are Kosher certified, contain five live and active cultures and are made with milk from cows not treated with rBST*. Chobani products are available nationwide and in Australia and the UK. Chobani is pleased to offer consumers a variety of nothing but good products: Chobani Greek Yogurt, Chobani Bite, Chobani Flip and Chobani Champions. For more information, please visit chobani.com or facebook.com/chobani. 
*According to the FDA, no significant difference has been found between milk derived from rBST-treated and non-rBST treated cows.

SOURCE Chobani, Inc.