August 19, 2008 06:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time 

U.S. Olympian Michael Phelps Heads Back to the Pool for Last Lap of “Hilton Swim to Beijing Relay”

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--After earning an unprecedented eight gold medals for Team USA and setting seven world records at the 2008 Olympic Games, Michael Phelps swam one more lap in Beijing today that will leave a lasting impact on swim programs across the United States. The 16-time Olympic medalist took to the pool at the Hilton Beijing to swim the 6,250^th and final lap of the “Hilton Swim to Beijing Relay,” a multi-city charitable event contributing $100,000 to the USA Swimming Foundation to fund swim education programs across the United States.

In celebration of the 2008 Olympic Games, Hilton Hotels & Resorts partnered with the USA Swimming Foundation and embarked on an ambitious relay of 6,250 laps – each lap symbolizing one of the miles between Los Angeles, the relay’s starting point, and Beijing. The “Hilton Swim to Beijing Relay” began with a splash at the Hilton Universal City in Los Angeles where Phelps swam the initial lap in November 2007. After making its way through five U.S. cities, the “Hilton Swim to Beijing Relay” concluded with a ceremonial final lap by Phelps in the pool of the Hilton Beijing following his final competition of the 2008 Olympic Games.

"After representing my country and competing in the Olympics, Hilton gave me another great reason to get back in the pool,” said Phelps. “By being a part of this campaign I’m able to help support swim education programs across the nation and give young people the chance to experience the power of the sport. Swimming is much more than a fun activity and great form of exercise. It teaches self-discipline and dedication—two important qualities that one can draw on to succeed both in and out of the pool.”

U.S. Olympians, U.S. Olympic Team hopefuls, swim teams, hotel guests and hotel team members across the country helped complete the relay, and in return Hilton is donating $100,000 to swim education programs. Of this contribution, $10,000 will go towards programs in each of the five participating U.S. cities (Los Angeles, Calif.; Minneapolis, Minn.; Austin, Texas; San Francisco, Calif; and Omaha, Neb.), which are affiliated with The USA Swimming Foundation’s “Make A Splash” water safety initiative. When Phelps swam the ceremonial last lap in Beijing, an additional $50,000 was donated to the USA Swimming Foundation.

“The Olympic Games provide an unparalleled opportunity to inspire young people across America and throughout the world,” said Jeff Diskin, senior vice president of brand marketing and management – Hilton Hotels & Resorts. “Through each of the 6,250 laps swum during this relay, Hilton shared the Olympic Spirit with our guests, swimming fans and athletes. We hope our support of USA Swimming and swim education programs will continue to make a positive impact on the communities we serve.”

“The ‘Hilton Swim to Beijing Relay’ helps our efforts to reach children in communities across the US, and provide them the opportunity to learn to swim” said Chris LaBianco, chief development officer of the USA Swimming Foundation. “We value the commitment that Hilton has made as we continue to use the sport of swimming to keep kids across the nation healthy and safe.”

Hilton Hotels & Resorts is also an official sponsor of the U.S. Olympic Team, USA Volleyball and the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour.

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts

With more than 500 hotels and resorts on six continents, Hilton continues to be an innovative leader in the full-service hospitality segment and one of the most recognized global names in the industry. Hilton’s belief that Travel Should Take You Places® celebrates a commitment to the guest experience and to the idea that travel can and should be transformative. Hilton’s variety of services, amenities and programs are designed to give guests more choice and control over their stays so they can be at their best, 24/7 whether they travel for business or leisure. Each unique Hilton hotel and resort was designed to reflect the sense of place of its location; each team member chosen to reflect the local culture and community. To start your journey visit www.hilton.com available in English, Spanish and French.