Olympic champions Anna Meares and Sally Pearson will join forces with confectionary brand Cadbury in a major new campaign as part of Cadbury’s sponsorship of the Australian Olympic Team.

In the lead up and during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Meares and Pearson will work with Cadbury to ‘Bring on the Joy’ – a rally cry for athletes and fans that encapsulates and celebrates the exciting moments of the Olympic journey. Activity will run throughout 2016 with the brand aiming to provide Australians with small doses of joy throughout the whole Olympic year and not just in the two weeks that the event takes place.

Lauren Fildes, head of strategic partnerships and events at Cadbury, said: “Sally and Anna embody the spirit and values of Cadbury and we are delighted to partner with them during our campaign. We take great pride in supporting Australia’s Olympic athletes and we want to celebrate their abilities and achievements. Through the next 12 months, we are looking forward to working with Anna and Sally to bring on the joy!”

The brand will be unveiling a series of multi-channel activations in the build-up to next year’s event. More information will be announced in the coming months.

Speaking on her role as Cadbury’s Olympic ambassador, gold medal Olympic champion hurdler Sally Pearson, said: “From an athlete’s perspective, training for the Olympic Games requires focus, complete dedication and a gruelling training schedule. Once I’ve competed, I like to relax and allow myself a treat – and nothing does that quite like Cadbury chocolate! I have been a fan of Cadbury for years and I’m delighted to partner with them for Rio 2016.”

Double Olympic champion track cyclist Anna Meares, said: “Cadbury has a strong Australian heritage dating back over 100 years and I’m delighted to work with a brand that holds such a special place in the hearts of Australians. I share Cadbury belief in bringing joy to the nation and I’ll be doing my best to embody this in the lead up to and during the games.”