Pro Football Star Jeremy Shockey Tackles the Scottish Highlands With TEAM U.S.A. in the 2011 DRAMBUIE® Pursuit

CORAL GABLES, Fla., May 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Jeremy Shockey, celebrated and decorated professional football veteran, led TEAM U.S.A. in successfully completing the 2011 DRAMBUIE Pursuit, the annual legendary outdoor adventure race across the wild terrain of the Scottish Highlands. Shockey led his rebellious team against fierce competition from across the world, all racing to retrace the voyage of Scotland's rebel Bonnie Prince Charlie, for whom DRAMBUIE® was originally created in 1745.  Ultimately, after putting up an impressive and noble fight, Shockey and his team came in fourth place, and despite a show of guts and determination were beaten by a team of friends from the Netherlands.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110516/NY02566)

Shockey and his team of rugged competitors, Steven Fonrigrnao, Jeff Odell and Shane Duffy -- three endurance race enthusiasts from Texas -- completed the 100-mile race course, including rounds of archery, mountain biking, boating and other outdoor challenges, with speed and dexterity. Shockey demonstrated the skills and athletic prowess, as well as his charismatic leadership qualities, honed from years spent on the pro football field, as he guided and encouraged his teammates through the Scottish terrain. It was clear the professional athlete and two-time World Champion was well acclimated to the intense level of competition displayed by the various teams throughout the competition.

"This was one of the most challenging, exciting and physically demanding experiences of my entire life, and coming from a professional football player, that says a lot!" said Jeremy Shockey of his experience during the 2011 DRAMBUIE Pursuit. "I'm proud of the way TEAM U.S.A. competed, and while it would have been nice to come away with a victory, I'm glad I was able to participate in this historical tradition. It was also a great way to spend the off-season!"

Each year, teams are flown to Scotland from around the world to race across the Scottish Highlands between Inverness and the Isle of Skye, in celebration of Bonnie Prince Charlie's legendary escape from the British government forces after a failed attempt to regain the throne.  Once safe passage was secured, the Prince left to his loyal aides the only thing he had left to his name: the recipe for DRAMBUIE that to this day remains secret.

"It was exciting to see TEAM U.S.A. compete with so much energy and enthusiasm this year, and we were truly impressed with their effort," said Cherie Koster, senior brand manager for DRAMBUIE.  "Jeremy Shockey definitely raised the competition to a new level, and we congratulate him and his team on giving the Pursuit such an inspiring effort. The spirit of Bonnie Prince Charlie truly lives on!"

Additionally, as part of his participation in the 2011 Pursuit, Jeremy will be making a donation to The Heath Evans Foundation (http://www.heathevans.org).  Founded by Jeremy's teammate, Heath Evans, the foundation is dedicated to fostering hope and healing in the lives of children and families affected by sexual abuse.

To learn more about the DRAMBUIE Pursuit or to view photographs from this year's race, visit Pursuitof1745.com.  

For interviews, images, or further information:

MEDIA CONTACT:
Ashley Wallace
Maloney & Fox
646.356.8332
[email protected]

About DRAMBUIE

DRAMBUIE was created more than 260 years ago exclusively for Prince Charles Edward Stuart of Scotland.  It is a unique combination of aged Scotch whiskies, heather honey and a blend of herbs and spices - a recipe kept secret since 1745.  From the Gaelic "an dram buidheach" – the drink that satisfies – DRAMBUIE is enjoyed by those who appreciate its timeless, yet distinctive taste.  DRAMBUIE can be served on the rocks, in classic cocktails such as the Rusty Nail, or more contemporary long drinks such as the DRAMBUIE and Soda.  For more information visit Pursuitof1745.com.

About Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.

Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. is the United States import and distribution arm of one of the world's leading spirits and wine producers. The company boasts a portfolio of some of the most recognized and top-selling spirits brands in the United States including BACARDÍ® rum, the world's favorite and best-selling premium rum, as well as the world's most awarded rum; GREY GOOSE® vodka, the world-leader in super-premium vodka; DEWAR'S® Blended Scotch Whisky, the number-one selling blended Scotch whisky in the United States; BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, the top-valued and fastest-growing premium gin  in  the world; CAZADORES® 100 percent blue agave tequila, the number-one premium tequila in Mexico and a top-selling premium tequila in the United  States; MARTINI® vermouth, the world-leader in  vermouth; and other leading and emerging brands. For additional information, visit www.bacardiusa.com.

About The Heath Evans Foundation

The Heath Evans Foundation seeks to foster hope and healing to victims of childhood sexual abuse.  It does so in two key ways: providing free expert counseling to victims of childhood sexual abuse and their families and raising community awareness about the epidemic of childhood sexual abuse through traditional media, digital media and community events.  The foundation, which was founded in 2006 by Heath Evans, a ten-year veteran and champion of professional football, grew out of the love Heath has for his wife, herself a victim of childhood sexual abuse.  Based in Heath's hometown of Palm Beach County, Florida, the 501c3 foundation primarily operates in Palm Beach County and the Greater New Orleans, Louisiana area.

For more information and to support the work of the Heath Evans Foundation, please visit www.HeathEvans.Org.

In addition, the Heath Evans Foundation has launched www.imavictim.com as an anonymous means for victims to share their story of childhood sexual abuse – letting others know they are not alone and perhaps freeing victims to share their story with someone personally as a step toward asking for the help they so desperately need.

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