Amtrak begins Pokémon sweepstakes

Winner to receive trip to New York, $600 gift card

Monday, September 11, 2006

Press release from Anime on DVD

This article brought to you by Bulbanews, your community Pokémon newspaper.

Amtrak, VIZ Media and Pokémon USA are sponsoring a "Gotta Catch a Ride to New York!" sweepstakes open through Oct. 13.

The winner will receive a five-day/four-night trip to Pokémon USA in New York with three guests via Amtrak and a $600 American Express gift card.

During September a Pokémon-themed Amtrak train will run from Boston to Washington, D.C., and 20,000 kids packs will be distributed at stations and via Amtrak's online store. The packs contain Pokémon Fan magazine, a VIZ Media manga sampler, a Lucario and the Mystery of Mew poster, information on the sweepstakes and offers.

"We are excited to work with Amtrak and Pokémon USA on such a great program," said Wendy Shimamura, project lead, VIZ Media. "Train travel is an integral part of Japanese culture and community, so it's just natural to bring the joy of manga and Pokémon to children and families aboard one of the most prominent transportation services in the United States through 20,000 free kids packs. And with the cost of gas rising, it's great to encourage families to travel via alternative methods of transportation."

"We can't wait to welcome the winner of 'Gotta Catch a Ride to New York' to Pokémon headquarters," said Holly Rawlinson, vice president of licensing, Pokémon USA. "For a Pokémon fan, it'll be a thrill to meet the people who make the brand what it is."