Dove Men+Care Gets Ready for March Madness

Dove Men+Care is giving sports fans a look inside the lives of basketball legends Shaquille O’Neal, Steve Nash and coach Tom Izzo just in time for the start of the 2012 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship.

Shaq joins eight-time All-Star and two-time MVP Nash and Michigan State University head coach Izzo (also known as "Mr. March" by fans) in the next Dove Men+Care Journey to Comfort campaign, which shares personal experiences that have helped these hoop notables become comfortable in their own skin.

Their "Journey to Comfort" stories will show how they understand the importance of caring for themselves and others. Beginning March 8, they will be shown throughout NCAA March Madness, as part of Unilever's multi-year NCAA Corporate Partnership with CBS Sports and Turner Sports.

"This campaign takes even the most successful sports figures and transforms them from herculean to human," said Rob Candelino, vice president, brand building, for Unilever Skincare."Most men admire these three legends for leading their teams to victory, but when Shaq, Nash and Izzo talk about the most important 'team' to them, it's their children that take center court.This perspective resonates with fans who are also fathers, and not only enhances their NCAA tournament experience, but also their relationship with our brand."

The "Journey to Comfort" videos provide a glimpse into each man's personal and professional life.Insider anecdotes about Selection Sunday, lessons learned from coaches and parents, as well as how fatherhood has changed them are just some of the unique stories revealed in the campaign.

Fans in need of an excuse to enjoy 2012 game play uninterrupted by work or other weekday obligations should visit the Dove Men+Care Facebook page starting March 7 for an alibi from the "Big Diesel" himself. "Shaq's Big Excuse" Facebook app will send one of several customizable phone messages to a boss, co-worker or friend, as a hall pass to enjoy the weekday games from the comfort of your own home.

Fans can also go from bystander to baller and experience the tournament on another level by visiting the Dove Men+Care Twitter and Facebook pages to connect with O'Neal, Nash and Izzo for game predictions and basketball discussions. Consumers can also enter the "Journey to the Final Four " sweepstakes at www.dovemencare.com for a chance to win basketball prizes, autographed gear and a VIP trip to the 2013 NCAA Men's Final Four in Atlanta.