Goodyear Announces Winners of Special Goodyear ‘Get there’ Award

Company Honors Individuals Most Responsible for Helping American Athletes Reach Their Goals

For more information and to download broadcast quality video, please visit www.goodyeargetthereawards.info.

AKRON, Ohio, January 19, 2010 – In a nod to its products that help millions of motorists reach their destinations on a daily basis, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company today announced the three medal winners of the Goodyear ‘Get there’ Award, a recognition program designed to honor those most responsible for helping American athletes achieve their dream of competing on the world’s greatest stage in Vancouver. The program highlights the often little-known stories of those people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to help America’s athletes achieve their goals.

Goodyear’s selection panel included World and Olympic Champion Bonnie Blair. The three medal award winners were selected from among 15 individual honorees representing each major winter sport discipline and recognized for their extraordinary efforts to help the athletes excel.

“I’m proud to be able to help shine a light on the incredible dedication and often behind-the-scenes contributions made by parents, coaches, teachers, spouses and others who make it possible for athletes like me to succeed on the world’s greatest stage,” said Blair, the United States’ most decorated Winter Olympian, holding a record five gold medals and a bronze medal as well as 9 World Records earned during her legendary career.

“Goodyear is committed to developing best-in-class innovations and breakthrough technologies that help consumers reach their destinations … or ‘Get there,’” said Scott Rogers, Chief Marketing Officer, Goodyear. “What better embodiment of that philosophy than to honor those unsung heroes who have helped American athletes ‘Get there’ to the ultimate athletic stage.”

The three medal winners, selected by a Goodyear panel spearheaded by Blair, will be presented with the special Goodyear ‘Get there’ Award and include:
- Frances Bradley, Philadelphia, PA, for her support of bobsledder Michael Bradley
- Paul Marchese, West Coxsackie, NY, for his support of speed skater Trevor Marsicano
- Buzz Smith, Cape Coral, FL, for his support of curler Jason Smith

“Our panel found it difficult to select just three winners from among the stories we read, as each individual showed an outstanding commitment to helping America’s aspiring athletes ‘Get there,’” added Rogers. “In addition to honoring the three winners, Goodyear is thanking all 15 honorees for their dedication and outstanding support by helping them ‘Get there’ with an award of a free set of top-of-the-line Goodyear high technology tires.”

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