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In 2024, Visa, a leading global payments technology company and long-time Olympic sponsor, aimed to highlight athletes whose stories embody resilience, purpose, and global perspective in the lead-up to the Paris 2024 Olympics.. Brisa Hennessy, a professional surfer representing Costa Rica, was a natural fit.
Raised across multiple continents and deeply engaged in environmental and philanthropic initiatives, Brisa’s journey merges athletic excellence with socially conscious living, aligning seamlessly with Visa’s mission to connect people and communities through sport and value-driven storytelling.
Visa sought to differentiate its Team Visa athlete partnerships by spotlighting authentic and emotionally resonant narratives that extend beyond sport. The brand sought to highlight athletes who not only perform at the highest level, but also embody values like sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural connection.
With a 20-year history and more than 500 athletes having been involved in Team Visa, the brand recognized the importance of identifying athletes whose passions resonate off the field. What athlete stories could bring human depth to the Olympic experience?.
Athelo Group was able to facilitate Brisa Hennessy’s partnership with Visa, positioning her as a global ambassador through a multi-platform campaign that combined digital storytelling, lifestyle content, and on-the-ground activations at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Brisa was featured in Visa’s “Olympic Voices” content series, appeared in branded storytelling initiatives across social and digital channels, and participated in live Visa-sponsored fan experiences tied to the Paris Games.
As part of Team Visa, Brisa played an important role in activating the brand’s marketing strategies by bringing authenticity, energy, and a fresh perspective competing as a surfer in a newer Olympic sport. Through the on-the-ground activations in Paris, Brisa was able to provide an energizing and youthful voice to help Visa resonate beyond traditional brand marketing.
By leveraging Brisa’s authenticity, energy, and perspective, Athelo ensured the partnership resonated with younger audiences and sustainability-minded consumers, strengthening Visa’s purpose-driven storytelling across social and digital channels.
This partnership facilitated by Athelo helped to elevate Brisa’s profile on the global stage, while also reinforcing Visa’s commitment to purpose-driven branding and community impact. . Brisa’s philanthropic story and authentic presence strengthened brand sentiment, amplifying Visa’s values with inclusion, inspiration, and social responsibility. Audiences engaged with Brisa’s content across social and earned media, and the campaign generated sustained visibility in both mainstream and niche sports press.
Social conversations around the partnership were overwhelmingly positive, reflecting admiration for Brisa’s athletic achievements, philanthropic efforts, and alignment with Visa’s values. Overall, this partnership positioned Brisa not just as an Olympian, but as a role model for the next generation—proof that purpose and performance can go hand in hand.
Is your corporate mission getting lost in the noise of traditional sponsorship? Athelo Group identifies the ‘Global Citizens’ of sport who turn your brand’s values into a resonant, human story. Let’s build your next purpose-driven campaign together.
