Media Release
2 October 2012
World Champion Alison Shanks named as Volkswagen Olympic Ambassador
Volkswagen is welcoming World Champion cyclist Alison Shanks into the family today as an official Ambassador, further
cementing their commitment to supporting the New Zealand Olympic team.
On board as an Official Partner to our Kiwi sporting heroes for the next four years, Volkswagen started their Olympic
sponsorship with London 2012, and will support our athletes right through to the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in
2016.
Tom Ruddenklau, General Manager of Volkswagen New Zealand said of Shanks’ appointment, “Alison’s determination, drive
and commitment to her sport, as well as her rise from Dunedin to the world stage, shows just what Kiwis are made of.
“Volkswagen has a long standing interest in New Zealand sport, so we are looking forward to having Alison on board and
will be doing everything we can to drive her to gold in Rio.”
Alison is equally excited about the partnership: “I’m thrilled to be an ambassador for Volkswagen – a company so
grounded in quality, innovation and performance – much like cycling! I can’t wait to get involved and I’m looking
forward to making Volkswagen and New Zealand proud in 2016 at the Rio Olympics.”
Shanks entered this year’s Olympics as the 2012 World Champion* and narrowly missed her chance on the podium. A series
of career highs, including Gold at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, have made Alison the one to watch. As part of her
sponsorship Alison will receive a Golf GTI to drive for the duration of the partnership.
Volkswagen will soon announce their second Olympic Ambassador, along with other exciting initiatives.
Investing in the New Zealand Olympic team, builds on Volkswagen’s long term sponsorship of New Zealand Football, right
from a grass roots level with the Small Whites, to the international success of both the All Whites and Football Ferns.
ENDS
Notes to editors
* Alison is the current World Champion of individual pursuit, April, Melbourne (P.B 3min 27.3sec). She entered the
team’s pursuit event at the London Olympics in lieu of an individual pursuit event.
Volkswagen NZ is the official vehicle partner for NZ Football, All Whites (Men’s National team) and Football Ferns
(Senior Women’s Team) and a Small Whites partner, NZ Football’s junior encouragement programme for children under the
age of 12.