words // Brandon Richard
In year two, PUMA expands their Project Pink Breast Cancer Awareness initiative by adding a little star power to the fold. Joining star athletes and Project Pink spokeswomen like Amy Rodriguez, Leslie Osborne, Karina LeBlanc, Alex Scott, Tasha Kai, Marta and PUMA Women’s Soccer Ambassador Julie Foudy will be actress Nina Dobrev of Vampire Diaries and Degrassi fame. As a new Project Pink’s supporter, the Dobrev will appear in the program’s Public Service Announcement, act as a media spokesperson, make appearances in support of the initiative, and engage with fans throughout the season via her Twitter handle, @ninadobrev.
“I’m truly excited for the opportunity to work on this season’s Project Pink initiative,” said Dobrev. “I love that it truly empowers young women to get involved and make a difference. Plus, I’ve always been an athlete, so I jumped on the chance to stand alongside and in support of some of these amazing female soccer players.” Dobrev, a former gymnast, is a natural fit for the PUMA brand, which celebrates the active lifestyle and supports the health and well-being of women worldwide.
There are several ways you can be active in and support Project Pink. You can purchase items from the new Project Pink Collection over at Shop PUMA and other PUMA retailers, with 100% of the profits being donated to charity. Beginning on July 17th, you can also nominate which charities you'd like to see receive those donations. Nominations will end on September 22nd, with actual voting running from September 26th to October 7th.
Throughout the 2011 season, female soccer players will swap out their team colors for pink-based uniforms and accessories. Home teams will take to the field in pink PUMA jerseys and shorts, and fans will have the chance to get involved with special activities in-stadium. Game dates are as follows: Sky Blue FC: July 17 - Atlanta Beat: August 6; Boston Breakers: July 24 - magicJack: August 10; and Philadelphia Independence: July 31 - Western New York Flash: August 14.
Lastly, you can "Tweet Better, Do Gooder." PUMA is bringing back its popular Twitter hash tag, #projectpink. Tweet #projectpink between July 6 and October 31, and, counting one tweet per user per day, PUMA will donate an additional $1, up to $25,000, to the ultimate beneficiary.
Check out Nina Dobrev's first Project Pink video spot below and check out Project Pink for more information.
