Shelburne, Vt. – The Vermont Teddy Bear Company today announced a collaboration with the United States Olympic Committee – and introduced “Spirit,” the official Bear of Team USA. Sales of Spirit will help support the Team USA athletes competing at the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games taking place this summer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
“Teddy bears are an American tradition, and so is Team USA,” said Bill Shouldice, Chief Executive Officer of the Vermont Teddy Bear Company. “We are grateful for the opportunity to show our support for our country and all of the great American athletes competing in Rio this summer.”
Spirit, the official Team USA Bear, is handmade at the Vermont Teddy Bear facility in Shelburne, Vermont. The 15” Bear wears a fully-licensed Team USA warm-up suit, red shirt and white sneakers. A portion of every sale of the Team USA Bear helps support America’s elite athletes.
“We’re happy to join with the Vermont Teddy Bear Company to offer Spirit to the great fans of Team USA,” said Peter Zeytoonjian, USOC managing director of direct marketing and consumer products. “This is a fun and unique item, and another way that fans can support America’s elite athletes as they represent the United States in Rio.”
Since 1981, Vermont Teddy Bear Company has been producing premium, handmade teddy bears in their Vermont, USA facility. All Bears are guaranteed for life and are stuffed using 100% recycled materials. For more information about Vermont Teddy Bear, please visit www.vermontteddybear.com or call (800)829-2327 (BEAR).