Sports
US Weight Appointed as the Official U.S. Distributor of adidas Fitness Accessories
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.
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
Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/
health and wellness
“Protect Your Skin: Celebrate Sunscreen Day”
“May 27th is Sunscreen Day! Protect your skin from harmful UV rays with broad-spectrum sunscreen and sun safety practices.”
Last Updated on May 27, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Sunscreen Day is a day dedicated to promoting the importance of wearing sunscreen and protecting our skin from harmful UV rays. Observed annually on May 27th, this day serves as a reminder that sunscreen is not just for the beach or pool, but an essential part of our daily routine.
The sun emits two types of harmful UV rays: UVA and UVB. UVA rays are responsible for premature aging, such as wrinkles and age spots, while UVB rays cause sunburn and can lead to the development of skin cancer. Sunscreen works by absorbing or reflecting these rays, preventing them from penetrating the skin.
Unfortunately, many people still do not wear sunscreen or do not wear it correctly. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, only 30% of Americans regularly use sunscreen. This is concerning, as skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with over 5 million cases diagnosed each year.
To ensure that sunscreen is effective, it is important to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays, while SPF 30 provides adequate protection for most skin types. Sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
It is also important to remember that sunscreen is not the only way to protect your skin from the sun. Seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm) can also help reduce your risk of sun damage.
Sunscreen Day is a great opportunity to start incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine. Make it a habit to apply sunscreen every morning before leaving the house, and keep a bottle in your car or bag for reapplication throughout the day. Encourage your friends and family to do the same, and spread awareness about the importance of sun protection.
In conclusion, sunscreen is a crucial aspect of protecting our skin from the harmful effects of the sun. By choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and incorporating it into our daily routine, we can reduce our risk of skin cancer and premature aging. So let’s celebrate Sunscreen Day by making a commitment to protect our skin and encouraging others to do the same!
For more information heres a link to the Skin Cancer Foundation: https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/
https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/
Sports
CatchCorner by Sports Illustrated Partners With CityPickle to Expand Urban Pickleball Access in NYC
CatchCorner by Sports Illustrated partners with CityPickle to expand NYC pickleball access, adding Central Park, Times Square and LIC courts to easy online booking.
New York City’s pickleball boom is getting a little easier to navigate. CatchCorner by Sports Illustrated, a North America–wide platform for booking sports facilities, announced a strategic partnership with CityPickle that will bring several of the operator’s most recognizable NYC courts onto CatchCorner’s reservation network.
The launch includes three CityPickle locations: Wollman Rink in Central Park, the flagship facility in Times Square, and indoor courts in Long Island City. A fourth site at Brooklyn Bridge is expected to open soon, expanding the footprint even further. The idea is simple: players can discover and book court time through CatchCorner in “just a few clicks,” with real-time availability and built-in payment options.
Why this partnership matters
Pickleball’s growth has been fueled by accessibility, but in dense cities the biggest barrier is often logistics: finding courts, knowing what’s available, and actually locking in a time slot. By pairing CityPickle’s high-profile, high-traffic venues with CatchCorner’s booking infrastructure, the partnership aims to reduce friction for everyone from first-timers to regular players.
CatchCorner CEO Jonathan Azouri framed CityPickle as a key player in expanding access, pointing to the way the operator is repurposing iconic city spaces into “dynamic hubs for sport, community, and social connection.” CityPickle’s Director of Strategic Operations, Nate Hamowy, echoed that community-first approach, saying the company’s mission is to create a place where “everyone can enjoy the game,” and that CatchCorner’s platform helps players find and connect across sports.
The bigger trend: racquet sports go urban
The announcement also signals a broader shift in how racquet sports are being built into city life. Instead of relying solely on traditional clubs or hard-to-access public courts, operators are increasingly activating prominent locations and creating event-like environments around play. In a place like NYC—where space is scarce and demand is high—partnerships like this can be the difference between pickleball feeling like a trend and pickleball becoming a permanent part of the city’s recreation ecosystem.
What to watch for next
- Brooklyn Bridge expansion: The upcoming fourth location could be a major demand driver, especially if it mirrors the visibility and foot traffic of the Central Park and Times Square sites.
- More venue additions: CatchCorner’s model is built for scale. If the CityPickle rollout performs well, it could accelerate additional urban racquet-sport partnerships.
- Community programming: The most successful city courts tend to pair bookings with leagues, clinics, and social play—expect more structured programming as these venues attract new players.
Players looking to reserve court time can do so through CatchCorner’s platform at www.catchcorner.comor via the CatchCorner app on the App Store and Google Play.
The Sports section of STM Daily News is your ultimate destination for all things sports, catering to everyday fans and dedicated enthusiasts alike. We cover a wide range of topics, from the thrill of amateur competitions to the excitement of semi-professional and professional leagues. Our content delves into physical and mental fitness, providing insights and tips that help individuals elevate their performance, whether on the field or in their personal wellness journeys. Stay informed and inspired as we explore the dynamic world of sports, celebrating both the passion of the players and the joy of the fans.
https://stmdailynews.com/sports
Senior Pickleball Report
Pickleball Kingdom’s California Expansion Starts in Roseville; Sleeves SPR Has Full Details
West Coast pickleball players could see more indoor options soon as Pickleball Kingdom’s California Expansion becomes statewide. The first club opens in Roseville with 11 indoor courts.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Pickleball Kingdom, which calls itself the world’s largest indoor pickleball entity, announced a landmark agreement to develop locations across California, with multi-unit franchisees Parminder and Komal Saini leading the statewide expansion.
Pickleball Kingdom’s California Expansion
The company said demand is rising across the Bay Area, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego County, and the Inland Empire, and that future clubs are expected to include professional-grade indoor courts, coaching and clinics for all skill levels, youth development programs, leagues and tournaments, a pro shop, and social areas.
The first California location is set to open in Roseville with grand opening activities the weekend of March 28. The club will feature 11 professional-grade indoor courts across approximately 32,900 square feet at 10251 Fairway Drive, Roseville, CA 95678.
For more context on the announcement and what the rollout could mean for California players, Sleeves Senior Pickleball Report published a full write-up here: https://sleeves-spr.com/pickleball-kingdom-announces-major-california-expansion-first-club-opens-in-roseville/Pickleball Kingdom also said it is seeking additional franchise partners in California. More information is available at https://pickleballkingdom.com/franchise/
Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/
