Folgers, a brand of Orrville, Ohio-based J.M. Smucker Co., launched its Here's to Coaches campaign for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The new campaign recognizes coaches who are invested in helping athletes achieve their Olympic glory — one morning at a time, one cup at a time, the company says. Folgers has been a sponsor of Team USA since 2013.
No one gets to the Olympic and Paralympic Games alone. It takes the support from coaches, made up of memories and traditions along each Olympians journey, from early mornings to late nights. To show appreciation for all the coaches who have supported athletes’ Olympic and Paralympic journeys throughout the years, the Folgers brand teamed up with two-time U.S. Olympic gold medalist alpine skier Ted Ligety, U.S. Olympic cross country skier Jessie Diggins and U.S. Paralympic gold medalist para-snowboarder Evan Strong.
"Becoming an Olympian requires dedication to a rigorous routine to prepare physically and mentally, which wouldn't be attainable if I didn't have unwavering support and guidance from my coaches," Ligety said in a statement. "Oftentimes, coaches' dedication goes unrecognized, so I'm beyond proud to be part of the Here's to Coaches campaign to acknowledge those who have made a huge difference in my Olympic journey."
Olympians come from all different backgrounds, but many athletes have recognized that a great coach can identify potential and shape it into medal-worthy skills.
"My coach, Daniel Gale, has been a huge part of my career in Paralympic snowboarding," Strong said. "After losing my leg in an accident, Daniel reached out to me and helped me get back on my feet. He introduced me to snowboarding and helped shape me into the athlete I am today. Ten years later, we're still working together and through the Here's to Coaches campaign, I get to honor his unwavering support."
To recognize coaches everywhere, the Folgers brand invites fans and consumers to celebrate Team USA and coaches with limited-edition Team USA packaging featuring Ted Ligety available nationwide.
The Here's to Coaches campaign debuted Jan. 9 with a short film starring Ted Ligety and his current coach Forrest Carey, and will run through the end of the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, which will take place Feb. 9-Feb. 25.