New Media Strategies Partners With Special Olympics to Celebrate Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day

ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- This past weekend, New Media Strategies (NMS) proudly partnered with Special Olympics on the social media execution of "Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day" (EKS Day), a celebration of the life and legacy of the late Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver. EKS Day is a global call to action for people to commit Acts of Unity for individuals with intellectual disabilities.  

Highlights from the campaign include the creation of the #1 cause related Act.ly Petition of all time.  Using the Act.ly internet tool, 1,394 individuals signed the EKS Day Petition by tweeting it and reaching over 2.7 million people – second only to a fan petition for a first date with teen pop sensation Justin Bieber. In addition, the volume of conversation regarding EKS Day topped out at over 3,300 mentions over the course of the two weeks leading up to and including EKS Day. Prominent individuals and companies who participated in the NMS-created Act.ly Petition include Joe Jonas, Maria Shriver, Johan Lloyd Taylor, Coca-Cola and Rosetta Stone.

"NMS is honored to be able to help carry the torch of a legend like Eunice Kennedy Shriver," said Pete Snyder, Founder and CEO of New Media Strategies.  "Given the thousands of social media users that tweeted, blogged and posted Facebook updates this past weekend to show their unity for those with intellectual disabilities, it is very clear that Eunice's flame is burning as brightly as ever. Given that Justin Bieber would be captain of any Olympic Dream Team of social media, we feel terrific about winning the silver medal for the most active cause related Act.ly Petition of all-time," added Snyder.  "It would be even sweeter if Justin Bieber could find it in his heart to support Eunice's life-work by signing the petition and tweet to his fans about Special Olympics."

About New Media Strategies

New Media Strategies established the world's first social media marketing firm in 1999.  New Media Strategies gives clients and their brands a direct line to consumers and a competitive advantage online, while safeguarding their products, services and issues from the effects of negative perceptions and attacks. Working closely with top bloggers, online communities and social media platforms, New Media Strategies serves as the "eyes, ears, and voice" online for some of the biggest and best known brands. Leading companies such as Chrysler, NBC, Domino's, Nestle, and Sony Pictures all use New Media Strategies to add value to their brands and safeguard their bottom lines. New Media Strategies was named one of the "Fastest Growing Companies in America" by Inc. Magazine for three consecutive years and has been a subsidiary of Meredith Corporation since acquisition in January 2007. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, New Media Strategies was founded by former pollster Pete Snyder, who serves as CEO of the company.  To learn more, visit www.nms.com.

About Special Olympics Inc.

Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect worldwide. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics movement has grown from a few hundred athletes to more nearly 3.5 million athletes in over 170 countries in all regions of the world, providing year-round sports training, athletic competition and other related programs.  Special Olympics now takes place every day, changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in places like China and from regions like the Middle East to the community playgrounds and ball fields in every small neighborhood's backyard. Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. Visit Special Olympics at www.specialolympics.org.

CONTACT: Leah Geach, +1-202-271-3269

SOURCE New Media Strategies