U.S. Olympic Bronze Medalist Deena Kastor and U.S. Olympic Bronze Medalist Johnny Gray will headline the fourth annual event. BP is a proud supporter of Team USA and serves as a corporate sponsor of the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

“As a sponsor of the London 2012 Olympic Games, we have been presented with an opportunity to bring world-class athletes to Coastal Alabama to share their amazing stories,” said Ayana McIntosh-Lee, BP General Manager of External Relations. “These athletes serve as an important reminder to the community about the incredible things individuals can achieve when they strive for greatness.”

A strong partnership between Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism (CVB) and the Alabama Tourism Department (ATD) allowed both agencies to fully maximize marketing funds provided by British Petroleum (BP) to propel the Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Foley area to a $200 million* summer rebound for this beach community that suffered the gulf’s largest economic loss from the Deepwater Horizon explosion.

TV spots will feature former Southeastern Conference head football coaches and tagline: “Gulf Shores and Orange Beach … Where SEC Families Come to Play”

From January to July 2011, the sports commission generated 39,724 room nights for island businesses, which resulted in $6.2 million in lodging revenue – an increase of more than $600,000 over all of 2010. Also, the area saw nearly a million dollars in additional tourism impact spending.