21st Century Fox Sponsors 2014 Special Olympics USA Games
21st Century Fox served as the Founding Partner of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games, which came to a close on Friday, June 20. Nearly 3,500 athletes competed in 16 Olympic-style games, which were hosted at several venues throughout New Jersey. In addition, more than 1,000 coaches, 10,000 volunteers and an estimated 70,000 spectators attended the events to lend their support.
21st Century Fox announced its partnership with the 2014 Games last November, promising broad exposure for the Special Olympics across its U.S. channels, including FOX Broadcasting, FOX Sports, FOX News Channel, FOX Business Network, FX, National Geographic Channel, and 28 local stations, as well as FOX Sports 1, which is currently airing a one-hour recap special on the Games and streaming it on FOX Sports Go.
21st Century Fox talent and employees seized the opportunity to support the cause. Glee star Jane Lynch performed at the Opening Ceremony on June 15, where FOX News anchor Andrea Tantaros co-hosted the Parade of Athletes in honor of her younger brother Daniel, who had been a Special Olympics athlete himself. Tantaros covered the Special Olympics in a special segment on her program. In addition, FOX Sports 1's Molly McGrath and Mike Hill emceed the Closing Ceremony on June 20.
The 2014 USA Games were staged throughout Mercer County, NJ, including competitions at Princeton University, Rider University, the College of New Jersey, and Mercer County Park, where several of the Games' sponsors, including 21st Century Fox, were present. Representatives from 21st Century Fox, FOX Sports, FOX Broadcasting, and FOX TV Stations were on hand to interact with the athletes, coaches, volunteers, and spectators, encouraging all of them to have their photos taken with Cleatus the FOX Sports Robot and props from FOX shows, spin a prize wheel, or participate in a football toss.
"The commitment by 21st Century Fox is unparalleled for any Special Olympics USA Games and speaks volumes about the company's willingness to use all of its assets to showcase the abilities of our athletes," said T.J. Nelligan, Chairman and CEO of the 2014 Games.
For more information on how to watch the FOX Sports 1 special, visit FOXSports1.com.
