MINI USA Names United States Paralympic Team as Charitable Partner for MTTS

A Minimum of $10,000 from MTTS Registration Fee Proceeds Will Be Donated

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – April 3, 2012… In January,MINI USA announced initial plans for MINI TAKES THE STATES (MTTS) 2012, and today the company is proud to name the United States Paralympic Team as the charitable partner for this year’s MTTS rally. A portion of the proceeds from each $30 participant registration fee will be donated to the Paralympic Movement, with a minimum of $10,000 earmarked to support the Paralympic athletes who will compete in the 2012 Paralympic Games in London as well as 2016 hopefuls as they train.

Michael Johnston, an athlete in Para-Triathlon, will represent the United States Olympics Committee for the duration of the partnership, and will participate in the full MTTS road rally beginning July 4. A below the knee amputee, Johnston competes in Triathlon (Sprint to Half-Ironman), Duathlon, Running, Cycling and Swimming, and is a hopeful competitor to race on behalf of the United States in Para-triathlon during the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio.

“BMW Group is a Proud Partner of United States Olympic Committee, and the opportunity for MINI USA to support the Paralympic athletes who will represent our country during the Paralympic Games was a natural choice as the MTTS charity partner,†said Jim McDowell, Vice President MINI USA. “While MTTS is perhaps the brand’s greatest demonstration of the commitment to the MINI community, the charitable donation made each year highlights the importance that MINI and its owners place on supporting the needs of those in our communities.â€

MTTS is the brand’s single biggest road rally, a bi-annual event with thousands of participants that will kick off in 2012 on the east coast Wednesday, July 4th and will make the cross-country trek to the Pacific Ocean concluding on Sunday, July 15th. Each time the event takes place, a charitable partner is selected to receive a portion of the proceeds from the registration fees. In addition to the $10,000 minimum that MINI has committed, higher registration numbers will result in additional funds being contributed to the United States Olympic Committee. MINI owners and fans who participate in the rally are also welcome to make individual contributions at hosted activities along the route.

Registration for 2012 MTTS opens Thursday, April 5.