By Martin Vedris

SYDNEY: Panasonic Australia has announced its interactive ‘Swim2Win’ promotion to celebrate the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. With a total prize pool of over $3 million, Swim2Win is the company’s largest promotion ever.

From 1 June to 24 August, customers who purchase a Panasonic TV, Blu-ray, DVD Recorder or Home Theatre System (including DVD Sound System) have the chance to play the interactive online game and be in the running to win a range of prizes.

The prize pool includes 5,000 instant Panasonic product prizes, including Blu-ray players, portable DVD players and SD Card camcorders.

The promotion will also giveaway 70 daily major prize packages of Panasonic product valued at over $25,000 RRP each.

“Panasonic is very excited to offer the interactive Swim2Win promotion and share the Olympic spirit with our customers,” said Adam Roberts, category marketing manager, Home AV and TV, Panasonic Australia.

“With a prize pool totaling more than $3 million, this is Panasonic’s biggest promotion ever, reflecting our commitment to the market and to our wider Olympic program.”

After purchasing select Panasonic products from participating retailers, customers go online to register on the Panasonic microsite from June 1 at: www.panasonic.com.au/swim2win

On this microsite, the customer competes in a swimming event game. Competitors select three swimmers in the race who they think might win and click ‘GO’. If all three swimmers selected win a place in the race, the customer wins an instant prize.

Every Swim2Win participant also receives the chance to win the daily prize draw. Every day for 70 days, from June 16 to the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games, Panasonic will be offering one winner a houseful of Panasonic products valued at over $25,000 RRP. This means that 70 winners will have the latest technology to fill their entire home, from the living room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom to the home office.

Matt Shirvington will be the face of the promotion, featured in a special television segment, aired on Channel 7 as part of their pre-Olympic broadcast.

The Swim2Win promotion is open to Australian residents aged 18 years and over who purchase eligible products during the promotional period. The total prize pool is $3,385,586 RRP and the final day of the promotion is 24 August 2008, coinciding with the conclusion of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

For more information and full promotion terms and conditions visit: http://www.panasonic.com.au/swim2win