ASICS To Sponsor The Drake Relays
Contact:
Heather Spears
ASICS Marketing Communications
(800) 333-8404
Public Relations
Irvine, CA (December 8, 2008) - ASICS America Corporation has just signed a multi - year agreement to sponsor the prestigious Drake Relays held at Drake Stadium on the campus of Drake University, Des Moines, IA. The contract will start with the April 23-25, 2009 event, which will be the 100th anniversary. Included in this sponsorship, ASICS will be the presenting sponsor; outfitting all event officials and volunteers.
The Drake Relays, one of the premier track and field meets in the world, annually attracts more than 8,000 athletes from around the world. In addition to being presenting sponsor, ASICS will also sponsor the following events during the Drake Relays week, the 'Drake Relays on the Roads', an 8K and half marathon, the 'Pole Vault in the Mall' and 'The Blue Mile Run Challenge'.
"ASICS has gone out of their way to support me and now by sponsoring the Drake Relays, in essence they are supporting the same track meet that helped support me growing up as a kid. I feel everything has come full circle or full lap on a track. Drake Relays started my path in track and field and ASICS has helped me put footprints on that path," states Lolo Jones, 2008 Olympian and multiple time Drake Relays champion while in high school and now as a professional athlete.
Brian Brown, Race Director for the Drake Relays says, "On behalf of the Drake Relays and the entire Drake University family, it is an honor for me to welcome ASICS as the presenting sponsor of the Drake Relays. We are both committed to excellence in track and field and enabling competitors of all ages to compete at the highest level. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work with a company of such integrity and character. I have no doubt that this union will prove to be exciting and successful for many years to come."
Gary Slayton, VP of Marketing at ASICS America Corporation states, "Numerous world, national and collegiate records have been set over the years at the Drake Relays, we feel this event is the epitome of excellence and prestige and are extremely proud to be a sponsor."
ASICS Corporation, with more than 50 years of footwear manufacturing experience, offers a full line of performance-driven athletic shoes and technical active sports apparel and accessories. For more information, please visit www.asics.com.
