Former Olympian Herschel Walker Joins Samsung’s Five Winners for Prestigious Honor of Carrying the Olympic Torch in San Francisco

Helping others by using a mobile phone changed the lives of five Samsung Mobile Phone Samaritans. They were joined by former Olympian and NFL Great Herschel Walker as they had the opportunity of a lifetime carrying the Olympic Torch during its only U.S. stop through the streets of San Francisco.

As a Presenting Partner of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay, the Samsung Mobile Phone Samaritan program allowed for Samsung to reward individuals with this once in a lifetime opportunity by entering an essay contest where they shared their story of how they helped someone in need by using a mobile phone. A panel of judges selected five winning entries awarding them with an opportunity to serve as Olympic Torchbearers.

Samsung Gives Back to San Francisco

In addition to participating in the Olympic Torch Relay, Samsung Spokesman Herschel Walker paid a special visit to the San Francisco’s Willie Mays Boys & Girls Club at Hunters Point where he conducted a special “Olympic training session” with the members. Samsung also made a donation of $10,000 in product to the Clubhouse. This special donation is part of Samsung’s effort to leave a legacy in the host city of various conferences and major events in which Samsung participates. Past cities that have benefited from this initiative include Miami (2007 Super Bowl), Seattle (2007 World Cyber Games) and Las Vegas (2008 Consumer Electronics Show). Samsung is proud to add San Francisco to the growing list.

“Having the opportunity to give back to the community that hosts such an extraordinary event is amazing, especially when we are helping kids,” said Walker. “I am honored to be a part of this program and have the opportunity to work with a first-class organization such as Samsung.”

“We are so grateful for Herschel’s visit with our kids and the donation that Samsung has made to our club,” said James Holley, Clubhouse director at the Willie Mays Boys & Girls Club at Hunters Point. “What he and Samsung have done for our club and community is so appreciated and will be remembered by our kids for a long time to come.”

Samsung Electronics has been a Worldwide Olympic Partner in the wireless telecommunications category since 1997 and first sponsored the Olympic Torch Relay in 2004 prior to the Summer Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. Through the years Samsung has consistently sponsored and supported a broad range of sporting events that echo its corporate philosophy, elevate Samsung’s brand recognition and demonstrate the company’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and global friendship.

Ved Praksh, ITvoir Network