The Goodwill Games unveiled their inaugural children's
initiative -- The Junior Goodwill Games -- which will
oversee local and sectional competition information; sponsor
support; and the involvement of over 120 cable operators
nationwide. Olympic decathlon champion Dan O'Brien is the
program's main spokesperson. The program is expected to
reach one million children through track and field, swimming
and basketball competitions. Supporting O'Brien as
spokespeople are Olympic swimmer Jenny Thompson and Hawks G
Steve Smith. All three athletes will appear in national
print/TV ads, as well as present awards at the Junior Games
finals. Universal Marketing Associates is administering the
program, which starts May 15, and the Games will be promoted
through SI for Kids. Three Goodwill Games sponsors will be
involved in the Junior Games -- Johnson & Johnson is
sponsoring swimming, Snapple is sponsoring track and field
and Canon is sponsoring basketball (Goodwill Games). The
competitions will involve 8-to-13-year-olds (NEWSDAY, 4/29).
