Sports

adidas Welcomes Messi to Miami in Celebration of the Growth of Soccer Culture in North America

Published

1 year ago

July 28, 2023

MIAMI /PRNewswire/ — With a historic Women’s World Cup, several of Europe’s top soccer clubs visiting the United States and Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated start in the MLS, the growth of soccer is in full effect. Overall soccer participation is a prime driver of this growth, with a 300 percent increase in the U.S. in the past 40 years. To carry the momentum, adidas is excited to announce several ongoing moments and investments that will help grow and inspire the next generation of soccer and the culture born with it.

Messi Comes to Miami

The growth of soccer in the U.S. has come with a heightened appreciation and demand for top talent. This demand is what’s led one of the greatest soccer players of all time to join the U.S.’ top professional league. Not since fellow adidas athlete David Beckham joined the MLS back in 2007 has there been such an anticipation for a global athlete coming to the U.S. Messi’s arrival to the MLS brings a top Latino icon into the American soccer landscape, infusing excitement into the one of the world’s most avid soccer communities. adidas is honored to continue championing Messi as he enters this new stage of his career.

This week, adidas ushered in a new era of soccer in Miami and the broader U.S. ahead of Messi’s first match with Inter Miami CF tomorrow, July 21. Sailing through the Port of Miami, an entourage of adidas-branded vehicles including a cargo ship, boats and helicopters decked out in Inter Miami CF pink in celebration. Once the ship docked, crates full of Messi jerseys, soccer balls and more were loaded onto trucks and distributed to communities throughout Miami for fans to enjoy.

Seeing local communities rally around Messi’s arrival is proof that the impact of his presence in the U.S. goes beyond his inevitable contributions to Inter Miami CF – it’s the journey of a boy from Rosario, Argentina, welcomed by a city with a large Latino representation embracing soccer on an unprecedented scale.

Investment in the Next Generation

When it’s accessible and equitable, adidas believes sport has the power to change lives and is excited to announce the expansion of the Just Ball League, the brand’s collaborative effort with the U.S. Soccer Foundation to provide free neighborhood youth soccer leagues in communities throughout New York City and Los Angeles, to Miami.

The expansion builds on adidas’ existing efforts to remove barriers to the sport and level the playing field for low-income households and Black and Brown youth. By leveraging the mini-pitch infrastructure adidas and the U.S. Soccer Foundation have created over the past six years, Just Ball League will provide free, competitive soccer leagues in state-of-the-art, safe and accessible spaces for the next generation of athletes in Miami to hone their skills and experience all the benefits of sport.

adidas believes sport has the power to change lives, and Just Ball League is one of the many ways adidas is uniting people from diverse backgrounds and experiences through sport.

2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

As a global brand synonymous with soccer, adidas is proud to support the 2023 Women’s World Cup and its high-performing athletes from our partnered federations by providing dynamic bespoke away kits and the official match ball of the tournament.

Drawing on inspiration from Australia and New Zealand’s iconic landscapes, the kits weave together nature-inspired looks with adidas’ best-in-class performance technology. With more eyes than ever on the tournament this summer, the kits are in high demand by fans across the world as they cheer on their favorite teams and athletes, with each jersey lending itself well to personalized styling and fashion. Fans can purchase the kits via adidas.com.

adidas’ campaign for the U.S. Women’s National Team highlights the seven adidas athletes who will play significant roles on the team this summer, including captain Lindsey Horan and the rising phenom Trinity Rodman. Featuring fellow adidas athletes like Patrick Mahomes and Candace Parker, who’ve achieved greatness in their own right, the spot plays on the growth of soccer in the U.S. and the ongoing debate of who the greatest of all time is.

European Soccer and Blokecore Fashion Makes Its Way to the U.S.

Beyond Messi’s historic arrival, adidas is also welcoming several of the most prominent European teams to the U.S. for a number of preseason matches in key cities. Fan-favorite teams like Real Madrid, Arsenal and Manchester United are touring the U.S. over a two-week period this month. This year’s tour is a testament to the growth of soccer culture in the U.S., as global communities unite here in our backyard to celebrate this historical summer of soccer.

Blokecore fashion, a style referring to a fashion aesthetic that often incorporates vintage soccer-inspired pieces, is setting trends across the U.S. Given adidas’ legacy in soccer and Sportswear, there’s no surprise there’s been an uptick in demand for jerseys and adidas’ classic sneakers like the Samba. With celebrities like Jenna Ortega’s sporting the look, there’s no slowing Blokecore down.

The Summer of Soccer is here — Impossible Is Nothing.

About adidas
adidas is a global leader in the sporting goods industry. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany, the company employs more than 59,000 people across the globe and generated sales of € 22.5 billion in 2022.

About U.S. Soccer Foundation
The U.S. Soccer Foundation’s programs are the national model for sports-based youth development in underserved communities. Since its founding in 1994, the Foundation has established programs proven to help children embrace an active and healthy lifestyle while nurturing their personal growth beyond sports. Its cost-effective, high-impact initiatives offer safe environments where kids and communities thrive. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Soccer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization.

SOURCE adidas

Author

Daily News Staff

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Senior Pickleball Report

Exploring the Journey and Innovations in Pickleball with BOSS Pickleball’s Chris Chu

In the latest “People of Pickleball” episode, host Mike interviews Chris Chu, founder of BOSS Pickleball, discussing innovative training tools to enhance pickleball skills through practice and community engagement.

Published

3 days ago

October 20, 2024

Rod Washington, Michael J Sliwa

Hello, fellow pickleball enthusiasts! You’re in for an exciting ride with the latest episode of “People of Pickleball,” where our beloved host, Mike “Sleeves” Sliwa, sits down with Chris Chu, the innovative founder and president of BOSSPickleball. With a passion for the game and an inventive spirit, Chris shares his personal journey into the world of pickleball and the ingenious development of BOSS Pickleball—a brand that aims to enhance your game with smart training tools.

Getting into the Game

Like many of us, Chris’s journey began with a curious glance toward the local gym, where he found seniors engaged in this wonderfully quirky sport. Intrigued by the challenge and camaraderie, he was captivated by how this sport, that looked deceptively simple, demanded precision and strategy. Going beyond just playing, Chris found himself questioning how he could practice more effectively, leading him into the world of product development.

The Birth of BOSS Pickleball

The episode takes you behind the scenes, sharing how Chris transitioned from a player to an innovator. With a background in producing training tools for other sports, Chris’s inventive mind sprang into action in his garage. After countless prototypes and plenty of trial and error, Chris developed the patent-pending Tension Relief Cord™, a groundbreaking component of BOSSPickleball’s products. This feature is designed to mimic real ball flight, enabling players to practice their dink, drop, and reset shots with precision and confidence.

Transforming Pickleball: Chris Chu’s Innovative Journey with BOSS Pickleball

From Idea to Market Success

Chris’s story is a testament to perseverance and creativity. The episode explores how a simple idea evolved over a year and a half, through many iterations, to become a reliable training tool now embraced by coaches and players alike. His innovative trainers allow users to enhance their muscle memory and develop essential skills without needing a practice partner. Imagine perfecting those crucial moves in your yard, garage, or even your living room!

What’s Next for BOSS Pickleball?

Chris has big plans for his product, striving to break into clubs and become a staple in coaches’ arsenals. He emphasizes the importance of practice, offering the potential for rapid improvement through repeated drills. His vision is to see his product enhance the learning curve for pickleball lovers everywhere, emphasizing the importance of strategic growth and community engagement in the sport.

Wrapping Up

As Chris and Mike discuss during the episode, the future of pickleball looks incredibly bright, filled with innovation and inclusivity. Chris aims to contribute to this momentum by making training accessible and effective for players of all levels. As pickleball continues to grow, we can anticipate new avenues and opportunities for enthusiasts worldwide.

Don’t miss this episode if you’re passionate about pickleball and interested in training innovations. Tune in to hear more about Chris’s adventures and insights, and perhaps you’ll find the inspiration to elevate your game with a touch of innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, this episode is packed with valuable nuggets that will surely resonate with the pickleball fan in you!

Stay tuned, fellow picklers, and as always, keep playing and keep improving!

Boss Pickleball

https://www.bosspickle.com/our-story

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Sports

US Weight Appointed as the Official U.S. Distributor of adidas Fitness Accessories

Published

4 days ago

October 19, 2024

Daily News Staff

EVANSVILLE, Ind. /PRNewswire/ — Escalade, Incorporated (Nasdaq: ESCA) a leading manufacturer and distributor of sporting goods, recreation equipment, and fitness equipment, is proud to announce a new partnership for its US Weight subsidiary as the official U.S. distributor of adidas Fitness accessories. This exciting addition bolsters US Weight’s growing portfolio of fitness brands, which already includes industry leaders Lifeline Fitness, US Weight, and The Step.

adidas Fitness Accessories courtesy of RFE International.

The strategic partnership with RFE International, the global licensee of adidas home fitness, training, yoga, recovery and strength accessory products, positions US Weight at the forefront of the fitness market, delivering adidas’ cutting-edge fitness accessories to a wider audience in the U.S. market. The adidas Fitness range includes innovative gear designed for both professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

“We are excited to add adidas Fitness to our robust lineup of fitness brands,” said Bob Guinn, General Manager of US Weight. “This partnership represents a significant milestone for us as we continue to expand our offerings in the fitness category. adidas is a globally recognized brand synonymous with excellence, and we are excited to bring their high-quality fitness products to U.S. consumers.”

“US Weight’s addition to our family of global distribution partners is a very exciting one for RFE International and we’re thrilled to appoint them as our new U.S. distributor with responsibility across our adidas Accessories portfolio,” said Craig Hoskins, NAM General Manager of RFE International.

“Not only do we see US Weight as a key strategic partner for the development and expansion of our adidas Training accessories product line, together with the full resources of Escalade Inc. we’re exceptionally confident in their focus and determination to support and service the US consumer through their deep network of retail partnerships.”

“Their commitment to retail excellence and customer satisfaction aligns perfectly with our values, and we’re confident that this partnership will enhance the experience for our US customers; retailers and end-users alike.”

“With exciting new product development and a trusted partner in US Weight, we look forward to ensuring adidas is the go-to accessories brand for all sports and fitness enthusiasts across the U.S. for years to come.”

With a growing demand for premium fitness products, US Weight is committed to delivering innovative, reliable, and top-tier solutions to fitness enthusiasts nationwide. The addition of adidas Fitness also aligns with Escalade’s mission to offer world-class products that inspire active and healthy lifestyles.

The distribution of adidas Fitness products will begin immediately, with products available through select retail partners, fitness specialty stores, and online by January of 2025.

About US Weight

US Weight is a leading manufacturer of fitness weight sets, aerobic steps, umbrella bases, canopy weights, crowd control products, and tractor wheel weights, all made domestically. Established in 1996 and based in Olney, Illinois, US Weight is a trusted name across the fitness, safety, and outdoor industries. For more details, please contact Allison McDonald at allisonmcdonald@usweight.com.

About Escalade

Founded in 1922, and headquartered in Evansville, Indiana, Escalade designs, manufactures, and sells sporting goods, fitness, and indoor/outdoor recreation equipment. Our mission is to connect family and friends and create lasting memories. Leaders in our respective categories, Escalade’s brands include Brunswick Billiards®; STIGA®table tennis; Accudart®; RAVE Sports® water recreation; Victory Tailgate® custom games; Onix® Pickleball; Goalrilla™ basketball; Lifeline® fitness; Woodplay® playsets; and Bear® Archery. Escalade’s products are available online and at leading retailers nationwide. For more information about Escalade’s many brands, history, financials, and governance please visit www.escaladeinc.com.

About RFE

Founded in 2001, RFE International is a global sports and fitness company specializing in the design, manufacture, marketing and sales of a comprehensive range of fitness equipment to both the commercial and home markets.

With a distribution network covering more than sixty countries worldwide, our market leading product lines are designed and developed under some of the top brands within the world of sports and fitness today, including adidas, Reebok and Dynamax Fitness.

Our extensive range of equipment ranges from the small, portable accessories such as gloves, recovery supports and compression, jump ropes and yoga mats, to the larger strength and cardiovascular equipment including treadmills, bikes and workout benches.

We aim to deliver world class performance to our distribution, retail and commercial partners by offering unique, high-quality products, efficient customer service, and impactful marketing initiatives to drive sales.

For more information about RFE’s many brands, history, product catalogs and sustainability guidelines please visit www.rfeinternational.com

About adidas

adidas is a global leader in the sporting goods industry. Headquartered in
Herzogenaurach/Germany, the company employs more than 59,000 people across the globe and generated sales of € 21.4 billion in 2023.

SOURCE Escalade, Incorporated

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Senior Pickleball Report

Minister Karim Launched Borneo’s Biggest Pickleball Tournament and Asia’s Largest Arena

Published

5 days ago

October 18, 2024

Daily News Staff

KUCHING, Malaysia /PRNewswire/ — Sarawak has made history in Borneo’s pickleball scene by hosting the Borneo Pickleball International Tournament (BPIT 2024), which attracted over 500 players and 2,000 visitors from the region. This prestigious event took place at PIKABOL, Malaysia’s pickleball powerhouse and the largest indoor arena in Asia.

Organised by the Kuching Pickleball Association (KPA), BPIT 2024 featured intense competition among participants from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brunei, showcasing the sport’s growing popularity in Southeast Asia.

At the tournament’s launch, YB Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, along with representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak, expressed his gratitude to Mr. Ruslan Bujang and his committee for their dedication.

He thanked attendees for their presence, players for their participation and praised PIKABOL for its grand opening and for establishing the largest purpose-built indoor pickleball venue in Asia. The inaugural tournament and arena opening not only celebrated the achievements of athletes but also positioned Kuching as a premier destination for international pickleball events, contributing to the growth of the sports and tourism sectors in the region.

With the guidance of Exclusive Strategic Advisor Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), the KPA successfully hosted an internationally recognized event that raised the profile of pickleball in the region.

The tournament received endorsements from both the Malaysia Pickleball Association and the Sarawak Pickleball Association, along with robust support from the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, as well as the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak.

Chairman of BPIT2024, Mr. Ruslan Bujang, expressed gratitude to sponsors including the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Sarawak Energy Berhad, Skechers, WTK, Starbucks, PIKABOL, DHI, Odysportsz, and Pickleball Global for their invaluable support.

He also took the opportunity to thank BPIT2024 partners—DayakDaily, The Hills Kuching, Malaysia Airlines, CPH Travel, Sarawak Tourism Board, and The Hemisphere—for their support from day one in providing services to our participants and helping to develop sports tourism in Sarawak.

Mr. Oscar Choo, Managing Director of PIKABOL, stated that PIKABOL will serve as Malaysia’s powerhouse, providing an arena where aspiring players can learn from the best, seasoned veterans can refine their skills, and everyone can enjoy the thrill of competition. He envisions a future where this arena becomes a beacon of pickleball excellence, attracting players from near and far.

The BPIT2024 closing ceremony is set for October 13, 2024. Visitors are encouraged to attend the tournament, explore booths, and donate new or used books to support the rural community.

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/minister-karim-launched-borneos-biggest-pickleball-tournament-and-asias-largest-arena-302272793.html

SOURCE Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak)