COLORADO: The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) has announced that it will work with GSD&M Advertising. The aim is to create a branding platform to promote the 2004 US Olympic Team. The games take place in Athens in August.

An official release informs that the USOC has charged GSD&M with developing creative strategy and brand communications, including print and television public service campaigns. The heart of the assignment, according to USOC chief of entertainment properties and brand marketing, Keith Allo, is to rally the American public's enthusiasm for US Olympic hopefuls in their journey to the make the 2004 US Olympic Team.

Allo added, "Our brand is our Olympic athletes and that's where our focus will continue to be as we prepare for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. Not only are Olympians world-class athletes, they are individuals who are doing incredible things to represent our country. They are also everyday people with families, friends and struggles. What makes them unique is their dedication to be the best for America and for themselves."

The release adds that the USOC has a long history of corporate support for its athletes, community outreach programs and training facilities. Many US Olympic sponsors use their Olympic connection in their own advertising. GSD&M's work will be independent of these marketing efforts, but will complement the collective effort of the USOC's partners to raise awareness and support for American Olympians.

This is the second partnership between GSD&M and the USOC. In 1999, GSD&M developed a national branding campaign leading up to the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. Allo said, "We came back to GSD&M because of its creative reputation and history of representing some of the most respected brands in the country. But more than that, they appreciate our values and culture. They show the same commitment to their clients as we do to our athletes."