This week Worldwide TOP Partner Samsung premiered its documentary “A Fighting Chance” at a private media screening during the Tribeca Film Festival being held in New York. “A Fighting Chance” tells the inspiring stories of four athletes defying barriers to pursue their dreams of competing at the Olympic Games Rio 2016.
In a video message aired at the screening, IOC President Thomas Bach said: “The IOC and Samsung share a belief in the power of sport. This moving documentary is a testimony to the human spirit to overcome any obstacle. The stories of these athletes in pursuit of their Olympic dream are an inspiration to everyone, everywhere, to live by the Olympic values and realise their dreams.”
Directed by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville, this collaborative effort is part of Samsung’s commitment to spread the Olympic spirit around the world. The documentary takes viewers on a journey to the worlds of athletes from three diverse countries - Lesotho, Vanuatu and the Dominican Republic - capturing the history, ambition and shared passion of these Olympic Games hopefuls. “A Fighting Chance” features:
- Miller Pata & Linline Matauatu (Beach Volleyball, 23 and 26 years old, Vanuatu): From Vanuatu, an island country in the South Pacific which was devastated by Cyclone Pam in 2015, Miller Pata and Linline Matauatu form a beach volleyball team, whose everyday tenacity and perseverance is inspiring a generation of Vanuatu women to think beyond the traditional boundaries and follow their dreams. Both athletes were also supported by Olympic Solidarity in the run-up to the Olympic Games London 2012.
- Tsepo Mathibelle (Marathon Running, 24 years old, Lesotho): From Lesotho, a small country landlocked by South Africa, Tsepo Mathibelle is a determined marathoner running to support his entire family. After finishing in last place at the Olympic Games London 2012, Tsepo remains steadfast in his quest to win Lesotho's first Olympic medal.
- Yenebier Guillén Benitez (Boxing, 75kg, 29 years old, Dominican Republic): Yenebier Guillén Benitez is a young woman striving to be the first female Olympic medallist from her country, smashing gender barriers with every punch. She is determined to keep the sporting legacy alive in her family, following in the footsteps of both her father and grandfather.
Director Morgan Neville. “If the Olympic spirit is about overcoming every hurdle and accepting no limits, then I think Samsung is a great ambassador for these values.”
“Through ‘A Fighting Chance,’ we hope to captivate the world by shining a spotlight on these athletes as they defy barriers and push the limits to achieve their dreams,” said Younghee Lee, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “As a dedicated Worldwide Olympic Partner, we are striving to inspire the Olympic Spirit within all of us and to fuel meaningful human progress in the lead up to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.”
For more information, visit: www.SamsungMobilePress.com/AFightingChance.