ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — To celebrate World Smile Day on October 5, three-time gold medal winning Olympian Misty May-Treanor has teamed up with Orlando, the world capital of smiles, to gather smile-worthy photos from around the globe.
Whether it’s a signature dance move (like Misty’s infamous running man), a funny face or just an infectious smile, Visit Orlando is seeking creative photo submissions beginning on September 13 at Facebook.com/VisitOrlando. On World Smile Day, Misty’s favorite photos will be featured in a “Let’s See Your Smile” video.
For every video view on World Smile Day, Visit Orlando will make a donation to Special Olympics with the goal of providing $25,000 to support the organization’s global efforts to deliver 32 Olympic-type sports and more than 53,000 competitions throughout the year.
“A smile is the most universal symbol and as an athlete who has played all over the world, I’ve learned it’s often the best form of communication,” said Misty May-Treanor. “I love the idea of a destination like Orlando, which is notorious for making me and millions of people smile, bringing the world together through this universal symbol in celebration of World Smile Day. Raising money for an important charity, Special Olympics, is even more to smile about.”
“As a top destination for family travel and the smile capital of the world, Orlando is known for providing experiences to more than 55 million visitors every year that strengthen relationships,” said Danielle Courtenay, chief marketing officer for Visit Orlando. “The partnership with Misty May-Treanor and Special Olympics for World Smile Day is our way of harnessing the joy, happiness and fun of the smiles we’ve become accustomed to seeing in Orlando. We’re now inviting the world to join us to smile together in celebration of World Smile Day.”
Photo submissions will be accepted until October 1 on Facebook.com/VisitOrlando. On World Smile Day, October 5, the “Let’s See Your Smile” Video will be posted on Facebook.com/VisitOrlando. For every video view, Visit Orlando will donate $1 to Special Olympics up to $25,000.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Visit Orlando and Misty May-Treanor for this fun and positive celebration for World Smile Day,” said Amie Dugan, director of marketing and communications for Special Olympics North America. “Misty and Orlando have long been advocates of Special Olympics and Misty truly inspires our Special Olympics athletes.”
About Misty May-Treanor
Misty May-Treanor is an American professional volleyball player and actress. She has won more tournaments than any other female player with 107 career wins. May-Treanor and teammate Kerri Walsh were the gold medalists in beach volleyball at the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics and most recently won gold yet again in the 2012 London Summer Games. They have been called “the greatest beach volleyball team of all time.” Misty E. May was born in Los Angeles, California in 1977. She grew up playing beach volleyball at the Santa Monica Pier with her parents, Butch and Barbara. At age eight, she played her first volleyball tournament with her father, and played other sports like soccer and tennis, as well as participating in dance. May-Treanor spent her high school years in Costa Mesa, California. She attended Newport Harbor High School from 1991 through 1995. There, she helped her team win two state championships in indoor volleyball in 1992 and 1994. May-Treanor played volleyball for the Long Beach State 49ers from 1995 to 1999. The 1998 team that May-Treanor was the captain of the first women’s NCAA volleyball team to have an undefeated season.
About Visit Orlando
For more information about vacation experiences in Orlando, to order a complimentary vacation planning kit that includes a comprehensive Official Vacation Guide and Orlando Magicard® or to purchase discount attraction tickets, visitors can log onto Orlando’s official website at VisitOrlando.com or call an Official Travel Counselor at 1-800-551-0181 (United States and Canada) or 407-363-5872. For real time updates, follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/VisitOrlando or Facebook at Facebook.com/VisitOrlando.
About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is an international organization that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sports everyday around the world. Through work in sports, health education and community building, Special Olympics is addressing inactivity, injustice, intolerance and social isolation by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities which leads to a more welcoming and inclusive society. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics movement has grown from a few hundred athletes to nearly four million athletes in 170 countries. With the support of more than one million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics is able to deliver 32 Olympic-type sports and more than 53,000 competitions throughout the year. Visit Special Olympics at http://www.specialolympics.org . Engage with us on fb.com/specialolympics
SOURCE Visit Orlando
