CIROC Vodka, Verizon Center and the Washington Wizards Launch Year-Long Social Responsibility Initiative

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- CIROC Ultra Premium Vodka and the National Basketball Association's Washington Wizards recently announced the launch of a year-long social responsibility partnership that will include several in-game promotions, public  service announcements (PSA) and social responsibility programming at the Verizon Center through October 2011.

To kick-off this initiative, CIROC and the Washington Wizards recently unveiled two "Safe Rides" PSAs starring Washington Wizards Forward JaVale McGee and Washington Wizards deejay, DJ Big Tigger. The 30-second videos show McGee and DJ Big Tigger discussing "smooth vs. not smooth" moments - emphasizing the importance of responsible decision making when celebrating on or off the court.

"In the last three years CIROC has taken great strides to help New Yorkers adopt responsible celebratory habits through our annual New Year's Eve 'Safe Rides' program," said Randy Carlson, Brand Director for CIROC at Diageo North America. "We are thrilled to partner with the Washington Wizards and the Verizon Center to help us spread this message to our nation's capitol and to the entire sports community." 

CIROC also extends its social responsibility message through a national partnership with the E! Entertainment network and its "Drive Safe" campaign.  The campaign includes on-air spots that feature some of today's hottest celebrities encouraging responsible decision-making and offering people a way to find a safe ride home.  In the U.S., cellular phone customers can text "DRIVESAFE" to 44264 from their wireless devices to receive taxi contact information for their area. Standard text message rates apply.

"Together with E! network, CIROC has distributed pre-paid debit cards in and around Times Square on New Year's Eve to ensure partygoers have access to free, safe rides home," said Dia Simms, EVP, General Manager of The Blue Flame Agency, a Sean Combs agency. "We are excited to extend this program to the DC Metro area in the near future".

For more information, visit www.cirocvodka.com or www.facebook.com/ciroc

About CIROC Ultra Premium Vodka

CIROC Ultra Premium Vodka is made using French Mauzac Blanc and Ugni Blanc grapes, which are distilled five times, providing a crisp, clean taste and citrus nose. CIROC launched nationwide in September 2003.  In October 2007, DIAGEO - the world's largest spirits, wine and beer company - made spirits history by entering into a strategic alliance with entertainment entrepreneur Sean "Diddy" Combs, in which Mr. Combs and Combs Enterprises assumed the lead on all brand management activities for CIROC. The makers of CIROC Vodka launched two new flavors - CIROC RED BERRY and CIROC COCONUT - in February 2010. Both are made with vodka distilled from fine French grapes and infused with natural coconut/wild berry and other tropical/fruit flavors. © 2011 Imported from France by DIAGEO, Norwalk, CT. Celebrate Life Responsibly.

About Washington Wizards

The NBA's Washington Wizards are owned and operated by Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which is one of the largest integrated sports and entertainment companies in the country with one of the most diverse partnership groups in all of sports. The company also owns and operates the NHL's Washington Capitals, the WNBA's Washington Mystics, and Verizon Center - the premier sports and entertainment venue in Washington, D.C. Monumental Sports & Entertainment also oversees the management of Kettler Capitals Iceplex - the training facility for the Washington Capitals and the Patriot Center arena at George Mason University.

SOURCE CIROC Ultra Premium Vodka