HOUSTON – As Team USA prepares to make the journey to the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Gulf Coast’s finest are gearing up for a trip across the pond to deliver the ultimate good luck charm – Gulf Coast tastes and tunes.

For four days during the 2012 Olympic Games, the ‘Spirit of the Gulf’ will introduce Team USA to a showcase of the Gulf Coast presented by BP.

Among the chefs participating will be Chris Sherrill of Orange Beach, owner of EAT! Restaurant and Staycations Catering off Canal Road in west Orange Beach.

As part of the company’s ongoing partnership with the United States Olympic Committee, BP will host the “Spirit of the Gulf,” a series of events for Team USA during the London 2012 Olympic Games.

More than 1,000 people each day will be encouraged to visit the Gulf Coast, sample the world’s freshest and best-tasting seafood and experience the Gulf’s unique culture and distinctive attractions.

BP believes the London 2012 Olympic Games are the ultimate demonstration of human sporting endeavor, bringing together extraordinary athletes from around the world. BP believes that the Team USA athletes and the U.S. Olympic Movement embody the values that the company wishes to exemplify.

BP also believes that success comes from working as one team – the athletes are supported by the energy of a number of people who help them to achieve their best.

“BP’s support for the U.S. Olympic Movement in London demonstrates our commitment to operating in and contributing to the economic vitality of thousands of local communities across the globe,” Crystal Ashby, BP’s vice president of government and public affairs, said. “BP is proud to use the power of the London 2012 Olympic Games as another way to promote the Gulf Coast, draw new visitors to the region and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the community.”

Eight of the best chefs from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida are preparing the freshest seafood the Gulf has to offer for U.S. Olympians, their families and visitors to the London 2012 Olympic Games. Each chef will dish up some of their hometown favorites. The chefs besides Sherrill include Chef John Folse and Chef Michael Sichel of Louisiana, Chef Chris Poplin and Chef Calvin Coleman of Mississippi, Chef Alec Naman of Alabama and Chef Justin Timineri and Chef Paul Stellato of Florida.

With a taste of the Gulf’s seafood and a sampling of the sounds of the region, performed by three Gulf Coast bands, BP is bringing Gulf Coast hospitality to Team USA during the London 2012 Olympic Games.The ‘Spirit of the Gulf’ will use the best the Gulf Coast has to offer to cheer Team USA on to victory at the London 2012 Olympic Games. For more information about BP’s commitment to fueling Team USA and the London 2012 Olympic Games, visit http://www.teamusa.org