Disney Pairs Up With Kwan For Three-year Run

Figure skating superstar Michelle Kwan has agreed to serve as a celebrity representative and spokeswoman for the Walt Disney Co. over the next three years, greatly expanding on the range of services she has previously provided for Disney.

The 21-year-old four-time world champion signed the deal after competing in last month's 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, where she won a bronze medal.

While she has done television specials for Disney in recent years, Kwan will now work with divisions throughout Disney, from being a presenter at awards shows to opening facilities and making guest appearances on original programs.

"We know a champion isn't made by the medals, rewards and plaques but by the sense of character that Michelle truly has," Walt Disney Studios marketing and synergy president Michael Mendenhall said. "She is clearly a role model for kids, young adults and parents alike."

Kwan started working with Disney four years ago after the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. She has done four TV specials, which brought her to the attention of other Disney divisions, from ESPN to ABC and Hyperion Books, where she has done eight skating-related titles, Mendenhall said.

Negotiations on a new contract, terms of which were not disclosed, started before the Salt Lake City Games. The agreement and duties are said to be far broader than those performed by another celebrity Disney representative, Tiger Woods.

"I've been a fan of Disney my whole life, so now to become part of the Disney family is incredible," Kwan said.

In addition to ice skating events, Kwan will appear at events ranging from charity to those involving ESPN Zone. She will make radio and TV appearances, host public service announcements and be featured in marketing and promotional campaigns for Disney's parks, hotels, restaurants, retail, motion picture and other divisions.