Right to Play Partners with Team Columbia & Auction Cause on Cycling Experience of a Lifetime
EBay charity auction to include the chance to get up close and personal with some of the top cyclists in the world in France this July
New York, USA (Vocus) June 25, 2009
International humanitarian organization Right To Play (http://www. ebay. com/righttoplay) announced the latest details of its continuing partnership with top-ranked cycling team, Team Columbia, with the addition of a once in a lifetime cycling race experience for the ultimate Tour fan.
Through Auction Cause, the agency managing the listing, up to 4 people will have the opportunity to see Europe's biggest cycling event as part of a VIP Columbia Highroad Experience Package that includes:
Viewing at Historic Mountain Stage of Ventoux French Style Picnic near the Summit Paris Viewing at the Hotel Crillion Balcony-Covered VIP Section Special Guest Meetings, including one with a Seven-Time Tour Finisher Sponsor-Hosted Dinners and Lunches
The package also includes three nights accommodations, most meals, the TGV ticket from Avignon to Paris, hospitality and viewing, and all transportation in between.
The auction is running from on eBay from June 19th - 26th and can be found by visiting http://www. ebay. com/righttoplay (http://www. ebay. com/righttoplay).
"We are thrilled to work with Right to Play and Columbia Highroad to offer fans the chance to live a dream and have a racing experience in France they will not soon forget", Eric Gazin, President of Auction Cause said. "This is the biggest cycling event in the world, and to truly live in the moment with the team is something fans of other sports really do not have the chance to take part in", he added.
The Right To Play/Team Columbia partnership centres on a series of high-profile awareness and fundraising events throughout 2009, with the goal of raising over $300,000 to benefit more than 20,000 children across the world.
"Along with the entire team I'm very excited to be able to support Right To Play through the auction of these hospitality packages. The winners will get a unique Tour experience and give the gift of play to children in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world", commented Columbia Highroad cyclist George Hincapie.
Team Columbia, owned and operated by High Road Sports Inc and sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, is the youngest top-level professional cycling team in the world. It is ranked number one in the world, after winning more races in 2008 than any other professional team. Team Columbia's cyclists include 25 current or former national champions and seven current or former world champions, led by veterans like 13-time Tour de France participant George Hincapie.
The partnership with Right To Play kicked off with a workshop at the team's training camp, held in Mallorca in January 2009. The team will help to raise funds and awareness for Right To Play throughout 2009 at the Tour of California, the Tour de France and various other charity rides. Right To Play President and CEO Johann Olav Koss attended the team's media event to help celebrate the continuation and growth of the partnership.
"Right To Play had a fantastic year working with Team Columbia in 2008," said Mr. Koss, who founded Right To Play in 2000. "The team performed exceptionally well and brought tremendous exposure to our cause. We're very pleased to be expanding the partnership in 2009 to help more children around the world become healthier and happier through sport and play."
Currently supported by an international team of top athletes from more than 40 countries, Right To Play has welcomed Team Columbia to its roster of Athlete Ambassadors who act as role models to inspire children, raise awareness and promote opportunities for funding Right To Play projects.
Right To Play and Team Columbia share many important values and principles. In particular, Right To Play's emphasis on participation and inclusion aligns with Team Columbia's stance on fair and equal competition for both men and women. Team Columbia is also eager to expand its social responsibility platform by supporting the children who benefit from Right To Play programming, by tapping into major American and European markets.
About Right To Play
Right To Play is an international humanitarian organization that uses sport and play programs to improve health, develop life skills, and foster peace for children and communities in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world. Working in both the humanitarian and development context, Right To Play builds local capacity by training community leaders as Coaches to deliver its programs in more than 20 countries affected by war, poverty, and disease in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America. Founded in 2000, Right To Play is headquartered in Toronto, Canada and has national offices in Canada, Norway, The Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The national offices raise funds, build awareness for Right To Play programs and advocate for sport for development.
About Auction Cause
Auction Cause is the leader in cause marketing campaigns, branding, and fundraising utilizing the eBay platform, generating more than 1 billion media impressions and counting. By integrating our clients' campaigns with social media outreach using Twitter, Facebook, blogs, viral videos, and more, Auction Cause is able to tap an even wider audience. The results are brand loyalty, nonprofit enthusiasm, and celebrity buzz - all while raising serious money for causes. For more information, please visit http://www. auctioncause. com (http://www. auctioncause. com).
For more information please contact:
Laura Currie
Director, International Communications
Right To Play International
Tel: 1-416-498-1922 ext. 204
Gwen Paja
Media Communications
Auction Cause
Tel: 1-323-655-0554
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