Samsung, the wireless communication equipment category sponsor of the Games who have been involved with the Olympics since 1988, hope that they can bring the public a virtual experience of every moment during the athletes' training as they prepare for London 2012, and are promoting the idea of this summer being "everyone's Games".

As part of that message Samsung is also seeking bloggers from around the world to write about this summer's Games on their digital platform.

Jon Pollock, the wheelchair basketball captain hoping to lead Britain to glory this summer, joins Idowu and Beijing 2008 gold medallist Pendleton among the athletes becoming part of Team Samsung.

Pollock (pictured below fourth from left) captained Britain to victory in the 2010 World Cup and to a bronze medal at the Paralympics four years' ago.

Others on Team Samsung include Phillips (pictured fifth from left), the daughter of Britain's Princess Anne and a world and European champion equestrian competitor, and LA Galaxy football star Beckham, one of the world of sport's most recognisable faces.

The team will use Samsung's technology to document their training and interact with fans in the run up to the Games.


"I'm gearing up for the London 2012 Games and my training's getting more and more intense as it's so close now," said Idowu, who this summer hopes to go one better than the silver medals he won at Beijing 2008 and last summer's World Championships in Daegu.

"It's really exciting that I can use technology to stay in touch with my fans and help them share my experiences and take part too.

"The London 2012 Games are right upon us now and athletes hoping to compete are training harder than ever.

"For me, the fans' support has always meant so much and it's incredible to be able to interact and invite them to take part through the use of technology, it's not something we've done before."

Pendleton added: "The London 2012 Games will be more open with even more people able to take part than ever before due to the huge advances in technology and initiatives companies like Samsung have introduced to help athletes keep in touch with their fans.

"And you do not need to be a technology expert, it's simple and anyone can take part."

Pendleton was one of Britain's stars of 2008 as part of the dominant Team GB cycling squad, winning a sprint gold medal.

SP Kim, President and chief executive of Samsung Europe said: "Samsung's goal for London 2012 is to use our position as wireless equipment partner to make it truly everyone's Olympic Games.

"Alongside our range of Olympic initiatives, we're delighted that some of Britain's top athletes are helping us create even more opportunities for people to take part."

Samsung's Olympic hub, www.samsung.com/uk/london2012, provides the public with a range of videos, images, tweets, interviews and challenges that athletes have been involved in.

The Worldwide Olympic sponsor are also heavily involved with the 8,000 mile, 70 day Olympic Torch Relay, which makes its way around the country on its way to the Olympic Stadium for the Opening Ceremony of London 2012 on July 27.

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