Outstanding Team Jordan Athlete & Olympic Gold Medalist to visit Tianjin and Guangzhou
SHANGHAI & BEAVERTON, Ore., Jul 29, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Jordan
Brand, a division of NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE), announced today it will host
Chris Paul's China Tour the first week of August which will include the
cities of Tianjin and Guangzhou. The popular Team Jordan member will
meet with fans in China, teach talented Chinese youth techniques to
improve their basketball skills and demonstrate the importance of giving
back to the community. Paul will arrive in Tianjin on August 2 and also
visit Guangzhou on August 3-4, 2009.
Chris Paul was handpicked by Michael Jordan to become a member of Team
Jordan in his rookie season due to his natural leadership skills and
undeniable talent. In the short time that he has been in the league,
Paul has helped create significant achievements for his team with his
on-court abilities and leadership. At the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games,
Paul not only contributed to the USA Basketball Team Gold Medal, but he
also won the heart of Chinese fans with his inimitable skills. During
the 2008-09 season, Paul broke the record for consecutive games with a
steal, tallying a steal in 106 straight games. Now heading into his
fifth season with the New Orleans Hornets, Chris Paul has become one of
the league's best point guards and is poised to become a star player for
many years to come.
Last summer, Chris Paul was invited to China pre-Olympics with Kobe
Bryant, LeBron James and fellow Team Jordan athlete Carmelo Anthony to
the Take On the World Tournament Final in Shanghai to cheer on young
Chinese players and celebrate their victory. Subsequently, he did not
let the public down as he helped the U.S. Basketball Team win the gold
medal in the Beijing Olympics. This summer, Chris Paul returns to China
to encourage young Chinese players to strive and achieve their
basketball dreams.
"I'm looking forward to being in China again and getting a chance to see
firsthand how young point guards handle their skills on the court. I
understand these young players from all over China are very talented and
will be joining me in Tianjin and Guangzhou to demonstrate their
skills," said Chris Paul, "The runner-up team at last year's Take on the
World Tournament was from Guangzhou and I can still remember how well
they played. I look forward to seeing their progress and will encourage
them to improve not only in their basketball skills but also in life, so
that they can excel both on and off the court."
Chris Paul, known as a feisty competitor on the court, continues to gain
accolades for his off the court behavior and charitable contributions
to his hometown of Winston-Salem, North Carolina and New Orleans,
Louisiana where he plays professionally. Basketball fans know
internationally that he has deep affection for his family, especially
his grandfather. The story of his scoring 61 points to honor his
grandfather still rings deep in the heart of his fans and, in turn,
earns him respect and admiration.
Whether on or off the court, Paul remains a role model who is highly
respected by his fans. In addition to the on-court skills he will teach
young Chinese athletes during his tour of China with Jordan Brand, Paul
will continue his spirit of giving by participating in a charity event
and basketball court dedication with his fans.
As a premier athlete for the Jordan Brand, Chris Paul will launch his
signature Jordan CP3.II China Edition shoe in China on August 3 for a
suggested retail price of 990¥. The shoe will also be available
exclusively at House of Hoops in the U.S. for a suggested retail price
of $135 USD.
About Jordan Brand
A division of NIKE, Inc., Jordan Brand is a premium brand of footwear,
apparel and accessories inspired by the dynamic legacy, vision and
direct involvement of Michael Jordan. The Jordan Brand made its debut in
1997 and has grown into a complete collection of performance and
lifestyle products. The Jordan Brand remains active in the community by
donating a portion of its proceeds to Jordan Fundamentals, an education
grants program for teachers.
For more information on Jordan Brand, visit www.Jumpman23.com.
SOURCE: Jordan Brand
Jordan Brand
Terri Hines, 503.532.5862
Terri.Hines@Nike.com
or
Reggie Saunders, 503.532.1495
Reggie.Saunders@Nike.com