Rio 2016 Olympic and Atos Press Release

Even one of the largest amateur competitions in the sports industry needs some PR love to get their message across. Earlier this month, Atos, an international leader in digital services and Worldwide IT Partner of the International Olympic Committee, sent out a press release to inform the public that they are opening the IT Integration Testing Lab for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

In the press release, it is stated that the IT Atos provides is essential to the success of these Games. For example, Atos supplies the systems the results around the world in less than a second on television, online, and multiple devices. They also support the recruitment and training of 70,000 volunteers, as well as providing those in the Olympic Family traveling internationally with a visa to enter Brazil. The Olympic Family consists of media, TOP Partners, athletes, and sports officials.

As explained in the press release, the IT Integration Testing Lab will be where Atos test and train all IT related systems in order to ensure the Games run smoothly.

The Rio 2016 Games is a great opportunity for Atos to hype up their public image. The intense amount of IT operations the Olympic Games needs will make the success of Atos a grand victory. The press release concludes with words of encouragement and excitement from Rio 2016 Olympic Games and Atos representatives.

Atos opens IT Integration Testing Lab for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Packers Lose a Beloved PR Executive

Some sad news to report in the Sports PR world: Lee Remmel, the Packers long-time PR executive, died last week at the age of 90. Remmel started his career with the Packers in 1945 as a sports writer for the Green Bay Press-Gazette, then moved to an executive position in the publicist department in 1974. In 2004, he was named team historian, leading to his retirement three years later.

Remmel worked the first 40 Super Bowls. He worked as a journalist for his first eight, and then worked the remaining games as a member of either the NFL’s auxiliary media relations staff or the Packers’ front office.

In 2003, the Lambeau Field press box was named after him. Remmel is also a member of the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame. Brett Favre, the Packers former quarterback, spoke out about the sad news and said, “He was the best. I cherish my times with Lee. I will tell Leland J. Remmel stories as long as I’m able.”

The Packers team president, Mark Murphy, went on to say, “The Packers lost a cherished family member today. He was a great ambassador and through his public relations work, he helped multiple generations of Packers fans learn more about the team.”

Rest in peace, Lee Remmel.

Lee Remmel, long time Packers PR executive, dies at 90

MLB Celebrates Jackie Robinson Day

April 15, 1947 marks Jackie Robinson’s first MLB game, thus breaking the color barrier in baseball. To celebrate his legacy, MLB participated in their annual antics on what is known as Jackie Robinson Day.

This past Wednesday, every player wore Robinson’s number, 42, on their uniform, as they do every year. MLB’s official site also listed nine character traits that allowed Robinson to open the door for for other African American baseball players. The league’s honoring of Robinson continued with allowing his widow, Rachel, to throw the first pitch at Dodger Stadium.

Jackie Robinson Day is an opportunity for the MLB to promote their friendly community and their admiration for tradition and those who paved the way in baseball. Many teams and players took to social media to express their excitement of being part of Jackie Robinson Day and wearing his number on their back. These social media posts are a great way public relations tool because they communicate to the fans that they are part of a brand that is respectful and grateful. It also shows the league as a united front. While celebrating the great Jackie Robinson, the MLB also hopes to spark future interest.

Jackie Robinson Day 2015: How Sports World Is Honoring MLB Icon

Subway Switches Teams

Through an ad during the Daytona 500, Subway confirmed that they will be continuing their sponsorship of NASCAR driver, Carl Edwards, thus following him from Roush Fenway Racing to Joe Gibbs Racing. This is a decision NASCAR and marketing enthusiasts have speculated.

Subway and Edwards have been together for six years at Roush Fenway, and they will continue their partnership through Edward’s No. 19 Toyota Camry four times during the Sprint Cup season at Auto Club Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Daytona International Speedway, and Talladega Superspeedway.

Paul Bamundo, the director of sports marketing, public relations, and partnerships for Subway, explained that their relationship with Roush Fenway is good, but they couldn’t give up the brand equity they created with Edwards. For this reason, they felt switching teams to stick with Edwards was in their best interest.

In order to announce the switch, Subway’s CMO, Tony Pace, created an ad featuring team owner and former NFL coach Joe Gibbs alongside Edwards. The spot included Edwards working out in a gym alongside Subway’s endorser, Jay Glazer. The two discuss their sandwich preferences, to which Coach Gibbs responds by saying their tastes are too strong for his liking.

Subway switches race teams with Edwards