FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Barb Johnson
Champion Public Relations
336-519-6792
Stormy Washington
Disney Sports Attractions
407-938-3823
CHAMPION ANNOUNCES APPAREL SPONSORSHIP FOR
WALT DISNEY WORLD MARATHON WEEKEND
All Disney Marathon Participants To Be Outfitted
With Champion’s Double Dry Performance Shirts in 2005
WINSTON-SALEM, NC (October 7, 2004) - Champion, the leading maker of
innovative athletic apparel, is outfitting all 24,000 participants expected
to compete in the 2005 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend with its new
Double Dry Performance Long Sleeve T-shirts. Through an agreement with
Disney Sports Attractions, Inc., Champion will outfit participants in both
the marathon and half marathon events.
With Champion’s involvement, the Walt Disney World Marathon becomes the
only top-15 marathon in the United States to provide high-performance
shirts to all event participants, including runners, race-walkers and
wheelchair athletes. The 12th annual Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is
scheduled for Jan.7-9, 2005.
"We are very pleased to bring the Champion spirit of innovation and
achievement to the Walt Disney World Marathon," said Heather Stefani, vice
president of Champion Athleticwear. "Whether running for time or running
to finish, these athletes will be amazed at how today's emerging
technologies like Double Dry help them perform at their best so they can
achieve at the highest level possible - that's what Champion is all about."
"Champion products are known for their quality and innovation, and we are
pleased to have such a well-respected company as the apparel sponsor of the
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend," added Mike Millay, director of sports
events for Disney Sports Attractions. "All the participants who race
through the Walt Disney World theme parks during our marathon weekend are
champions, and now they will have the perfect high-performance shirts to
highlight their achievements."
Using a unique two-layer fabric system, Champion’s Double Dry technology
moves moisture away from the skin, keeping the athlete continuously dry.
The inner layer has moisture-moving properties that help transport
perspiration away from the skin while the outer layer moves moisture to the
top where it quickly evaporates. In 2005, Champion will introduce its
Double Dry Cotton line which delivers both the comfortable softness of
cotton with the wicking performance of Double Dry technology. The Champion
Double Dry line includes T-shirts, shorts, sports bras, pants, jackets.
The Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon is one of the most popular
marathon events in the United States and the world with annual participants
hailing from all 50 states and more than 30 countries. The 12th annual
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend will feature a full weekend of running
and fitness activities for participants and their families, including:
Disney’s Health & Fitness Expo (Jan. 7-8), the Family Fun Run 5K and Kids’
Races (Jan. 8), and the Marathon and Half Marathon (Jan. 9). Registration
has closed for both the 2005 Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon.
About Champion:
Champion Athleticwear, a division of Sara Lee Corporation, offers a full
line of innovative athletic apparel for men and women including sport bras,
bodywear, uniforms, sweats and accessories. Champion Athleticwear can be
purchased at most sporting goods and retail outlets. For more information
about Champion Athleticwear for men and women visit www.championusa.com.
About Endurance Series Events at Walt Disney World Resort:
The Endurance Sports Series at Walt Disney World Resort gives recreational
athletes of all ages and abilities the chance to walk, jog, run, skate,
bike and swim their way "around the world. From running and skating
marathons to road races and triathlons, participating athletes from across
the country and around the world compete to stay in shape, to achieve
personal-best times and often to raise donations for charitable causes.
For more information, visit www.disneyworldsports.com.
###
|