IOC launches new 'Heroes' Olympics push

GLOBAL - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has begun a phased roll out of its global Beijing 2008 campaign, which builds on the idea that Olympians and athletes represent 'the best of us'.

Developed by WPP subsidiary Voluntarily United Group of Creative Agencies, the first phase is headed by Madrid shop Sra Rushmore / United.

The two prongs of the campaign focus both on Olympic heroes - featuring newly dethroned Wimbledon king Roger Federer, champion hurdler Liu Xiang and pole-vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva - and on the self-esteem teenagers can gain from participating in sports.

The campaign will comprise TV, online, print, experiential and PR activities.