Michael Phelps Teaches Ravens to Swim

Baltimore Ravens

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The 7th Annual Awards

Nominee ✨

• Most Creative Partnership with an Athlete or Influencer

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ABOUT THIS ENTRY

When the Ravens installed their brand new recovery pool, Ravens players discovered some of their teammates were afraid to use the new pool because they didn’t know how to swim. Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey invited Olympic gold-medalist Michael Phelps to come teach his teammates & local children how to swim.

How does this represent "Excellence in Engagement"?

This initiative was covered by the “Today Show” and garnered over 21 million views on social media channels. This work was not only great content, but achieved actionable change within the Baltimore Ravens organization, the Baltimore community, and a national audience.

Objective

Show the students in our community that professional athletes can conquer their fears of the water alongside them and promote pool safety.

Strategy & Execution

Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, alongside teammates Kyle Hamilton, Ronnie Stanley and Charlie Kolar, posted on social media, inviting Olympic gold-medalist Michael Phelps to come teach their teammates how to swim. We enlisted Phelps, a Baltimore native, life-long Ravens fan, and the most decorated Olympic athlete of all time, to teach our players how to swim. He is passionate about water safety and a huge Ravens fan, so he was the perfect fit to champion the cause. 

The Ravens organization turned it into an opportunity to give back to the Baltimore community, inviting local students to learn alongside the professional athletes. Additionally, the Ravens organization donated 100 thousand dollars to the Michael Phelps Foundation for water safety. Ravens players now feel confident to use the water recovery systems at the Ravens facility. 

Organizations

• Baltimore Ravens

Links

•   Website

Featured

• • Michael Phelps
  • Ray Lewis
  • Marlon Humphrey
  • Ronnie Stanley
  • Kyle Hamilton
  • Charlie Kolar

Credits

Sashi Brown
President
Baltimore Ravens

Lisa Dixon
Sr. Director of Special Events/Special Assistant to the Owner
Baltimore Ravens

Eddie Coughlan
Sr. Director of Production & Documentary
Baltimore Ravens

Megan McLaughlin
Sr. Director of Football Information
Baltimore Ravens

Chad Steele
Sr. Vice President of Communications
Baltimore Ravens

JT Santos
Cinematographer
Baltimore Ravens

Phil Cunningham
Sr. Director of Video Content & Post-Production
Baltimore Ravens

Nick Modisett
Sr. Manager of Production & Documentary
Baltimore Ravens

Jack Dana
Sr. Manager, Production & Media Assets
Baltimore Ravens

Cassie Cherigo
Social Media Manager
Baltimore Ravens

Heather Darney
Vice President of Community Relations/Executive Director, Ravens Foundation
Baltimore Ravens

Adrian Dixon
Head Certified Athletic Trainer
Baltimore Ravens

Simon Gelan
Sr. Vice President of Operations
Baltimore Ravens

Michelle Andres
Sr. Vice President of Ravens Media
Baltimore Ravens

Ryan Mink
Editorial Director
Baltimore Ravens

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