MADRID – 9 August 2018 – From surfing in Canada’s cool waters and ice hockey in Australia to wrestling in Senegal and roller derby in France, Olympic Outposts presented by Bridgestone invites viewers on a journey to discover the unique hotspots, local cultures and passion behind sports around the world. The 12-episode series premieres worldwide on Thursday, 9 August on the Olympic Channel global digital platform, and is available on-demand at olympicchannel.com and on its mobile apps.
Olympic Outposts is a global journey to explore the unexpected locations that have grown obsessed with sports traditionally dominated by other countries, and was produced exclusively for the Olympic Channel by Whistle Sports, a global sports media company.
Each 8-10-minute episode of Olympic Outposts is hosted by an expert, who include Olympians, athletes and influencers, whose sport takes them on a journey to find others who share their passion. At their destinations, hosts are introduced to the local characters, challenges and cultural scenes that have made these unlikely locations become a hotspot for their sport.
On her journey to Tofino, Canada from her native Southern California, Team USA’s Kaleigh Gilchrist, an Olympic gold medallist in water polo and Olympic hopeful in surfing, must embrace cool air and chilly waters if she wants to chase the world’s best cold-water waves.
"I’ve surfed in warm waters, but now It’s time to try something different," said Gilchrist, who won back-to-back U.S. junior surfing titles in 2009 and 2010. "The local community is amazing, and you can tell that surfing in Canada in cold water is a passion. You have to be committed day in and ay out to get in that cold water. It’s a lifestyle."
In addition to Gilchrist, hosts include street basketball legend Grayson "The Professor" Boucher, endurance athlete Colin O’Brady, rugby "war goddess" Georgia Page, former UFC Heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez, former NHL ice hockey player Paul Bissonnette, fitness model and American football enthusiast Callie Bundy and trainer and fitness influencer Terron Beckham.
"Sport has the power to unite people from different backgrounds and cultures," said Mark Parkman, General Manager of the IOC’s global Olympic Channel. "By bringing these things together, Olympic Outposts highlights the passion that we have for sports while exposing our audiences to new destinations around the world that are sure to inspire viewers to discover new sports and experiences."
The Olympic Channel is an over-the-top (OTT) global media destination where fans can experience the power of sport and the excitement of the Olympic Games all year round, and is available worldwide via mobile apps for Android and iOS devices and at olympicchannel.com.
Olympic Channel Schedule: Olympic Outposts
Thursday, 9 August
Episode 1 – Why basketball fever is everywhere in the streets of Philippines
Episode 2 – This surfing hotspot can be found in Canada’s freezing waters
Episode 3 – How a gruelling ultra-marathon put Mexico’s Tarahumara tribe on the map
Episode 4 – Breakdancing’s best takes over South Korea and the sport
Thursday, 16 August
Episode 5 – How Germany tackled American football and made it their own
Episode 6 – An unlikely ice hockey tradition continues Down Under
Episode 7 – Cheerleading in England? These elite squads are ready for the world stage
Episode 8 – Can Jamaican rugby find ‘Cool Runnings’ success on grass?
Thursday, 23 August
Episode 9 – How Senegalese wrestling developed into a mythical mashup of styles
Episode 10 – The unstoppable roller derby revival strikes in France
Episode 11 – How esports are becoming serious business in India
Episode 12 – The secret behind Samoa’s incredible weightlifting success
Schedule is subject to change.
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About the Olympic Channel
The Olympic Channel is a multi-platform destination where fans can discover, engage and share in the power of sport and the excitement of the Olympic Games all year round. Offering original programming, news, live sports events and highlights, the Olympic Channel provides additional exposure for sports and athletes 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in 11 languages. The Olympic Channel was launched in August 2016 in support of the IOC’s goal, set out in Olympic Agenda 2020, of providing a new way to engage younger generations, fans and new audiences with the Olympic Movement. Founding Partners supporting the Olympic Channel are Worldwide TOP Partners Bridgestone, Toyota and Alibaba. The Olympic Channel is available worldwide via mobile apps for Android and iOS devices and at olympicchannel.com.
Social media
For more information, please follow the Olympic Channel on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube, or log on to olympicchannel.com.
Editor’s Note
The official trailer for Olympic Outposts can be watched and shared on YouTube; full episodes can be viewed HERE on the Olympic Channel.
All trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
Catherine Philbin
Sr. Manager, Communications
Olympic Channel
Calle Torrelaguna 75 – 1st Floor
28027 Madrid, Spain
catherine.philbin@olympicchannel.com
+34 609 219 674
25 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is www.aroundtherings.com, for subscribers only
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