SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 12, 2008--Visa Inc. (NYSE:
V), a Worldwide Olympic Partner for more than two decades, today
released a special edition commercial commemorating Michael Phelps'
historic achievement of winning ten Olympic gold medals, setting the
all-time record for most career Olympic gold medals. The spot,
entitled "Congratulations Phelps," aired on NBC during the first
commercial break following his win in the 200 meter butterfly at the
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
The latest installment of the Visa "Go World" campaign follows the
same creative treatment as previous spots, using striking sepia tones
combined with dramatic still photography. The spot closes with an
already memorable image of Phelps celebrating the U.S. team's gold
medal performance in the 4 x 100 meter freestyle relay from earlier in
the Beijing Olympic Games competition.
"Michael Phelps truly embodies the spirit of our 'Go World'
campaign that celebrates memorable Olympic moments and the
extraordinary athletes who achieve them," said Kevin Burke, head of
global consumer marketing of Visa Inc. "We congratulate Michael on
this momentous achievement and wish him the best as he continues his
march towards Olympic history."
The spot marks the latest extension of Visa's U.S. advertising
campaign "Go World." The campaign evokes the emotion and memories of
unforgettable moments in Olympic history and features current Olympic
and Paralympic athletes and Olympic legends. The integrated campaign
includes national television commercials, print and online
advertisements, and an online microsite.
Visa has had a long standing relationship with Phelps through its
Team Visa program, featuring him in two previous national television
commercials ("Lap" and "Fish"), and partnering with him to grow the
sport of swimming around the world through domestic and international
goodwill tours.
Fans can visit www.visa.com/GoWorld to view ads, learn more about
the heroic feats of Olympians past and present, and submit stories
about Olympic moments that have inspired them for a chance to be
featured on the website alongside sporting greats.
To view and download a copy the new Michael Phelps spot, visit
www.thenewsmarket.com/visa
About Visa
Visa Inc. operates the world's largest retail electronic payments
network providing processing services and payment product platforms.
This includes consumer credit, debit, prepaid and commercial payments,
which are offered under the Visa, Visa Electron, Interlink and PLUS
brands. Visa enjoys unsurpassed acceptance around the world, and
Visa/PLUS is one of the world's largest global ATM networks, offering
cash access in local currency in more than 170 countries. For more
information, visit www.corporate.visa.com.
For more information, visuals, executive interviews/press only:
J.J. Carter Steve Hickok
Fleishman-Hillard Fleishman-Hillard
13522136096 (Beijing mobile) 212.453.2353
+8610 6410 8545 (Visa Press Office) hickoks@fleishman.com
jj.carter@fleishman.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These
statements may be identified by the use of words such as "will,"
"believes," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," "expects,"
"projects," "plans" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking
statements include, without limitation, statements about future
operations, prospects, plans and objectives of management and events
or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur. The
forward-looking statements reflect Visa's current views and
assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may
cause actual and future results and trends to differ materially from
the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to Visa's
ability to achieve its strategic objectives; general market
conditions; uncertainties inherent in operating internationally; and
the impact of law and regulations. Many of these factors are beyond
Visa's ability to control or predict. Given these factors, you should
not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements.
CONTACT: Fleishman-Hillard
J.J. Carter
Beijing mobile: 13522136096
Visa Press Office: +8610 6410 8545
jj.carter@fleishman.com
or
Steve Hickok, 212-453-2353
hickoks@fleishman.com
SOURCE: Visa Inc.