Click here to enter the Samsung Seeks Mobile Explores Contest

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the Official Worldwide Olympic Partner in Wireless Communications Equipment, is searching for people to share their WOW moments during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The company has launched the Samsung Mobile Explorers contest where the eventual winners will experience the Games in a unique and exciting way.

Through the online contest, Samsung will be selecting five teams of two that will travel to Vancouver and share their Olympic experiences through regular postings to a Samsung Olympic-website as well as their personal blogs and social media accounts. The contest is part of Samsung’s overarching Vancouver 2010 campaign which includes Samsung’s Wireless Olympic Works (WOW), a mobile communications platform specifically developed to keep Olympic officials, athletes, media and even fans connected and informed during the Olympic Games.

“This once-in-a-lifetime experience will put our Samsung Mobile Explorer teams front-and-center on the world’s biggest stage,” said Benjamin Lee, President and CEO, Samsung Electronics Canada. “This prize will allow the eventual winners to use Samsung mobile technology, including the Samsung Omnia II Olympic hero phone, to interact and share their personal WOW moments.”

Canadians interested in learning more about the Samsung Mobile Explorers and how to enter can visit the Samsung Vancouver 2010 website – www.samsung.com/vancouver2010. Video entries should demonstrate your team’s experience and interest with blogs and social networking, ability to seek-out and generate buzz and general excitement about Canada’s hosting of the 2010 Games.

During the contest period, Canadians will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite eligible entries and 10 semi-finalist teams will be determined based on the number of votes received. A panel of Samsung judges will then score the top 10 entries based on each team’s ability to creatively demonstrate their social networking capabilities. The five teams to receive the highest total score will become Canada’s Samsung Mobile Explorers.

“Along with giving 10 Canadians a unique Olympic experience, we are hoping our Mobile Explorers will be able to experience the global community that the Games creates and to expand  their social networks by interacting with other Samsung Mobile Explorers from the U.S., South Korea, China and Russia,” said Lee. “This contest is just the latest example of Samsung’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Olympic movement and making the Games accessible to everyone.”

The 10 Canadian Samsung Mobile Explorers will be joined by 47 explorers from the U.S., Russia, China and South Korea. In order to promote the Samsung Mobile Explorers program, two, 30-second viral videos have been posted to major social networks. The basic concept for the viral videos is based on humour and to demonstrate how Samsung Mobile Explorers might capture their own “WOW” moments. 
“The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games are certain to offer plenty of WOW moments, both from the competitions and from the cultural experiences offered around the Games. Our Samsung Mobile Explorers will capture and share their adventures with people around the world,” said Gyehyun Kwon, Vice President and Head of Worldwide Sports Marketing, Samsung Electronics, Co., Ltd. “This program is another great opportunity for Samsung to enhance our overall Olympic campaign and deliver a truly unique perspective from Vancouver.”

Starting in Athens 2004 Olympic Games to Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Samsung has been providing its wireless technology for seamless communication among Olympic VIPs, delegates, and organizing staff.  For the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Samsung will continue to provide the latest and best in Olympic Games wireless communications with improved accessibility and, for the first time, will be launching its first Public WOW Application providing users with real-time Games updates and results – making Olympic Games information available anywhere, anytime.

The Canadian Samsung Mobile Explorers will receive round-trip, economy-class airfare to and from Vancouver, accommodation for 20 nights, meals and two Samsung Omnia II mobile phones. The contest is open to Canadian residents that have reached the age of majority in their province of residence. Entries must be received by December 6, 2009.

For more information regarding the Samsung Mobile Explorers program, please visit www.samsung.com/vancouver2010.

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About Samsung Electronics Canada Inc.

Samsung Electronics Canada, Inc. (SECA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., markets a broad range of award-winning digital consumer electronics, information systems, telecommunications and home appliance products. SECA upholds Samsung’s mission to provide consumers with innovative digital convergence products that possess exceptional technology, quality, features, performance and value.

Samsung has been a global TOP sponsor of the Olympic Games since 1998 and has been a presenting sponsor of the Olympic Torch Relay from 2004 to 2008.  Also through Samsung’s Four Seasons of Hope charity, Samsung helps athletes and celebrities raise funds for their respective charities, including the Wayne Gretzky Foundation in Canada.  Samsung is also a proud sponsor of Hockey Canada and the Toronto Football Club.

For customer service inquiries, please call 1-800-SAMSUNG (1-800-726-7864), and for more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

Click here to enter the Samsung Seeks Mobile Explores Contest

Fifteen lucky young Canadians converged in Calgary today to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime hockey clinic with hockey legends Wayne Gretzky and Hayley Wickenheiser.

The Samsung Hockey Camp for Kids kicked off with breakfast and a motivational speech from Wickenheiser, captain of Canada’s Women’s team and two-time Olympic gold medalist.  Following breakfast, the day included five on-ice skills clinics and a scrimmage match with Gretzky and Wickenheiser, and off ice training with Hockey Canada Trainers.  Winners were also treated to one-on-one meet-and-greet sessions and had their photos taken with the hockey stars.

“At Samsung, we understand that passion for hockey begins at a very young age and we were overjoyed to provide this unique experience to 15 aspiring young hockey stars,” said Benjamin Lee, President and CEO, Samsung Electronics Canada.  “The number of entries we received was overwhelming, and while there were many compelling submissions, we feel that the group today were deserving boys and girls that truly exemplify the meaning of sportsmanship, both on and off the ice.”

“I am thrilled to be a part of Team Samsung and to share my passion for hockey with people from across the country,” said Hayley Wickenheiser.  “As an aspiring young athlete, I was extremely fortunate to be surrounded by people who provided the much-needed support and encouragement to get me where I am today.  It was a real honour to work with some of Canada’s youngest hockey enthusiasts, and I can only hope that my participation today helps inspire these kids to pursue their hopes and dreams.”

A panel of judges from Samsung and Hockey Canada selected the winning entries from hundreds of online submissions on the Samsung Hockey Camp for Kids website.  Earlier this fall, parents and guardians were invited to nominate their child (ages seven to 14) and, in 300 words or less, explain how he or she best exemplifies Samsung’s key hockey values – fair play, team work and skills improvement.  The winners and one parent/guardian received roundtrip airfare and accommodation in Calgary for the duration of their stay.

Winners were selected from coast-to-coast and include:

• Myah Bowal, Age 9, Terrace, BC
• Tyler Egglestone, Age 10, Whitehorse, YT
• Grady Franklin, Age 8, Deloraine, MB
• Abbey Franklin, Age 10, Deloraine, MB
• Cameron Harvey, Age 10, North Saanich, BC
• Matthew Hood, Age 10, Fredericton, NB
• Louis Larochelle, Age 10, Montreal, QC
• Nathan Ledbury-Swales, Age 11, Barrie, ON
• Cole McEachern, Age 13, Barrie, ON
• Lauren Pillisch, Age 12, Markdale, ON
• Lauren Pye, Age 7, Auburn, NS
• Rock Ruschowski, Age 12, Calgary, AB
• Catherine Turner, Age 13, Airdrie, AB
• Myriam Wright, Age 10, St-Jacques, NB
• Marissa Zuchetto, Age 10, Mississauga, ON

Along with the contest, the Samsung Hockey Camp for Kids website collected funds for Hockey Canada’s “Dream Come True” community initiative – a program that funds hockey fees and equipment purchases for underprivileged children across Canada.  Samsung matched every dollar donated and a total of $10,000.00 was raised.

The Samsung Hockey Camp for Kids is part of the company’s Team Samsung campaign.  Through the campaign, Samsung has partnered with an all-star line-up of hockey’s greatest players, including Wayne Gretzky, Hayley Wickenheiser and Jarome Iginla, to help make hockey more accessible to kids and to build excitement for the sport as the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games approach.

Winners will attend one-day clinic with Gretzky & Wickenheiser

MISSISSAUGA, ON., October 8, 2009 —In Canada, hockey is not simply a sport; it lies at the very heart of what it means to be Canadian. As a long-time supporter of hockey and to help build excitement around Canada’s quest for gold in February, Samsung is about to give 15 youth (ages seven to 14) from across the country the opportunity to attend a one-day hockey clinic with Wayne Gretzky and Hayley Wickenheiser.

The Samsung Hockey Camp for Kids, will be held in Calgary in November and will give some of Canada’s young hockey fans the opportunity to spend a day with two of the game’s greats. The 15 hockey fanatics plus one parent chaperone will win an expense-paid trip to Calgary to enjoy a day of skills and drills run by Wickenheiser, Gretzky and Hockey Canada coaches.  While full details about the prize package are available on the contest website, it will also include a welcome gift, breakfast and a motivational speech from Wickenheiser and many additional elements.

“Samsung is thrilled to offer this once-in-a-lifetime experience for 15 deserving young hockey fans,” said Benjamin Lee, President and CEO, Samsung Electronics Canada. “Samsung has a long-standing commitment to hockey through our relationship with Hockey Canada, Wayne and Hayley and as excitement grows leading into 2010, we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate our favourite winter sport.”

Samsung today launched a website (www.samsung.com/laceup) where parents/legal guardians can go online and, in 300 words or less, explain why their child deserves one of the 15 coveted slots. A panel of judges from Samsung and Hockey Canada will review the entries to determine the players that best exemplify Samsung’s key hockey values – fair play, team work and skills improvement.

“I’m excited to be teaming with Samsung and Wayne to create this great opportunity for a group of young hockey enthusiasts,” said Hayley Wickenheiser. “My involvement in and passion for the sport have offered me so many incredible opportunities, not the least of which has been representing my country on the world stage. I hope my involvement in this camp will help spark that competitive fire and desire to lead in the next generation of Canadian hockey stars.”

Along with the contest, the Samsung Hockey Camp for Kids website will strive to make hockey more accessible to unprivileged youth. Visitors to the site are encouraged to click and donate, with funds raised going to Hockey Canada’s “Dream Come True” community initiative. Through this program, underprivileged kids across Canada will be able to discover the excitement of the game by receiving a fully-funded season of hockey, complete with new equipment from head to toe. For every dollar donated during the entry portion of the contest, Samsung will match the amount, to a maximum of $10,000.

The Samsung Hockey Camp for Kids contest website is currently accepting entries. The contest closes on November 2, 2009 at 11:59:59 ET. The winners and one parent/guardian will be flown to Calgary where the camp will take place in late November. For additional contest rules and regulations, please visit www.samsung.com/laceup.
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About Samsung Electronics Canada Inc.

Samsung Electronics Canada, Inc. (SECA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., markets a broad range of award-winning digital consumer electronics, information systems, telecommunications and home appliance products.

SECA upholds Samsung’s mission to provide consumers with innovative digital convergence products that possess exceptional technology, quality, features, performance and value. The company oversees the Canadian operations of Samsung’s consumer electronics and home appliance division, as well as its wireless terminals and information technology division.

Samsung has been a global TOP sponsor of the Olympic Games since 1997 and has been a presenting sponsor of the Olympic Torch Relay from 2004 to 2008.  Also through Samsung’s Four Seasons of Hope charity, Samsung helps athletes and celebrities raise funds for their respective charities, including the Wayne Gretzky Foundation in Canada.  Samsung is also a proud sponsor of Hockey Canada, Stars on Ice, Toronto Football Club and is the official HDTV sponsor of the NFL.

For customer service inquiries, please call 1-800-SAMSUNG (1-800-726-7864), and for more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

Vancouver, BC, Canada, June 23, 2009 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the Worldwide Olympic Partner for Wireless Communications Equipment, today unveiled its Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games theme, “Discover Your Every WOW Moment,” and Games-related programs – including its Team Samsung athletes – at the company’s event in Vancouver on June 23, International Olympic Day.

Samsung launched a new program to link fans to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games using Samsung’s Wireless Olympic Works (WOW) and their mobile phones. For the first time fans around the world will be able to download and install the WOW Public Application from Samsung’s website (www.samsung.com/vancouver2010) to receive real-time information and updates from the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games on their Samsung mobile phones.

Cooperation with Atos Origin and Omega under the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games’ (VANOC) coordination will enable Samsung to deliver the seamless WOW service for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Official Results will be powered by Atos Origin. Timing and results will be managed by Omega.

“The Olympic Games are much more than sports and competition; they are about community, camaraderie and individuals challenging themselves to find inspiration and achieve excellence,” said Gyehyun Kwon, vice president and head of Worldwide Sports Marketing, Samsung Electronics. “Likewise, Samsung seeks to use mobile phone technology and our sponsorship to unify people around the world and help them discover their own WOW moments during the Olympic Games.”

“The Vancouver 2010 Winter Games will be full of `wow’ moments, from the breathtaking scenery to thrilling moments of triumph in our world-class sport venues,” said John Furlong, VANOC’s chief executive officer. “A global leader in wireless technology, Samsung will help share these moments with sports fans around the world, including on handsets for the first time in Olympic history. This is in addition to the more than 7,000 individual pieces of telecommunications equipment they’re contributing to the Games. Both are examples of how Samsung’s expertise is contributing to the overall experience and flawless delivery of the 2010 Games.”

Samsung introduced members of Team Samsung, a group of high-profile brand ambassadors who represent the spirit of the Olympic Games and will share their WOW sports moments with fans all over the world. Led by ice hockey legend and Olympian Wayne Gretzky, Team Samsung will consist of Hayley Wickenheiser, three-time Olympic Games medalist with two golds and one silver; and Jarome Iginla, NHL All-Star, two-time Olympian and Olympic Games gold medalist.

“It’s an honour to lead Team Samsung as the Olympic Games returns to Canada in 2010,” said Wayne Gretzky. “As part of Team Samsung, I know the company is truly dedicated to sports and mobile phone technology. Through the power of its innovative wireless technologies, I expect Samsung will link fans around the world to the Games so we can experience the excitement together.”

Samsung also unveiled its Samsung Olympic Visual Identity System (SOVIS) and previewed design concepts and plans for the Olympic Rendezvous @ Samsung (OR@S). SOVIS combines the Samsung logo and brand attributes with elements that represent the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The design is inspired by the shape of a mobile phone, the beautiful scenery of Vancouver and incorporates the “Inukshuk,” a symbol of friendship and harmony in Canada. The new SOVIS will be used during Samsung’s 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games-related marketing events and promotional activities.

OR@S, located at David Lam Park, will become the epicenter of Samsung’s activities during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, providing engaging experiences and unique WOW moments for fans and athletes. It will showcase the brand’s innovative mobile phone technologies, provide live entertainment and serve as a retreat for athletes and spectators. Samsung will also take an eco-friendly approach to some extent in constructing the OR@S and will provide visitors with easy and intuitive product experiences. OR@S debuted during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and has become a popular meeting spot, hosting more than 3 million people to date.

Samsung also announced its “Samsung Mobile Explorers” program set to launch in August 2009 to spread the excitement of the Games across the world. Around fifty lucky university students from all over the world will be selected as Samsung’s Mobile Explorers getting an opportunity to experience and report on the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The contest will be open to university students in Canada, the Republic of Korea and other countries to be announced at a later date. Each Mobile Explorer will be equipped with the latest Samsung mobile phone to capture their unique WOW moments by sharing their extraordinary Olympic Games stories through text messaging and online posts.

About Samsung’s Involvement in the Olympic Games
Samsung began its Olympic Games involvement as a local sponsor of the Seoul 1988 Olympic Games. Beginning with the Nagano 1998 Olympic Winter Games, the company extended its commitment to the Olympic Movement as the Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Wireless Communications Equipment category, providing its proprietary wireless communications program, called Wireless Olympic Works (WOW), and mobile phones. These innovative wireless technologies provide the Olympic Family with real-time information and communications services. Samsung’s commitment as a Worldwide Olympic Partner continues through to the 2016 Olympic Games.

About Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in telecommunication and digital convergence technologies with 2008 consolidated sales of US$96 billion. Employing approximately 164,600 people in 179 offices in 61 countries, the company is recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands and a leading producer of mobile phones. For more information, please visit: www.samsung.com

Donation To Wayne Gretzky Foundation Helps Support 99 Minor Hockey Associations

The Great One is helping 99 minor hockey clubs across the country kick-off a great hockey season. Through a team effort with Samsung Electronics Canada and Best Buy Canada, the Wayne Gretzky Foundation is presenting 99 minor league associations with a $1,000 bursary to help them cover expenses related running their 2008-2009 minor hockey programs.

Earlier this year, the companies launched the 99 Reasons campaign to help raise funds for the Foundation. During the campaign period, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of all Samsung TVs at Best Buy locations was donated to the Wayne Gretzky Foundation. Best Buy stores also sold exclusive Wayne Gretzky commemorative stickers for $0.99, with all proceeds of the sale going directly to the Foundation. The total donation, $99,000, represented a combination of funds raised through the retail promotion and monies previously committed from Samsung and Best Buy.

“Minor hockey clubs across the country often struggle with covering the costs associated with running their programs,” said Gretzky. “Thanks to Samsung and Best Buy, my Foundation can now help 99 of minor hockey associations. I truly appreciate their generous support and hope that it will help more youngsters have the opportunity to get involved in the game.”

Gretzky unveiled the 99 Reasons campaign at an event in Vancouver earlier this year where he met with an atom hockey team from St. Albert, Alberta, who won a contest related to the 99 Reasons promotion. The squad from the Edmonton suburb received an all-expense-paid trip to Vancouver and a once-in-a-lifetime chance where they met their hockey hero.

“Hockey is part of the fabric of Canada and Samsung is a major supporter of the game,” said Benjamin Lee, President of Samsung Electronics Canada. “We are thrilled to have completed this successful campaign with Best Buy and that the Wayne Gretzky Foundation can now use these funds to support these Canadian minor hockey associations.”

Created in 2002, the Wayne Gretzky Foundation is dedicated to helping disadvantaged youngsters throughout North America participate in the sport of hockey. As a major supporter of hockey in Canada, the Foundation was a natural fit for Samsung’s Four Seasons of Hope program. As a major national retailer and an active member of the communities in which it does business, Best Buy was a natural draft choice for this team.

“Soon after launching the 99 Reasons campaign in our stores, it was obvious that Wayne Gretzky continues to be a great inspiration,” said Martin Vander Velden, VP of Merchandising, Best Buy Canada. “Our team members across the country threw their support behind the Gretzky Foundation and have contributed towards our Best Buy for Kids program goal to empower youth by helping them excel in school, engage in their communities, and develop life and leadership skills. We also had a tremendous response from our customers who truly made this campaign a winner.”

Visit Samsung’s Four Season of Hope