Collection to Expand Internationally to Help Increase Support for the Cancer FightAUSTIN, Texas, Jan 29, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Today LIVESTRONG(R) and NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) announced a new
strategy for Nike's LIVESTRONG product collection that will
increase the partnership's innovative efforts to raise awareness for the
cancer fight globally and expand sales internationally.
The new strategy includes consistent financial contributions from Nike
to LIVESTRONG, including international expansion for the
collection, starting in July 2010. It also features a guaranteed annual
payment and the potential for additional funding as sales from the
collection grow.
This is a change from the current variable amount US-only funding
strategy where 100 percent of the profits go to LIVESTRONG.
"We're excited to embark on this new phase for LIVESTRONG and
Nike," said Doug Ulman, president and CEO of the Lance Armstrong
Foundation (LAF). "Lance's return to cycling drew the eyes of the world
to the fight against cancer and Nike's support is allowing us to spread
the message of hope and perseverance to new markets all over the globe.
We hoped LIVESTRONG gear could be available everywhere and
approached our long-term partner Nike to lead that charge by growing its
collection internationally. This new strategy for LIVESTRONG is
aimed at creating future growth opportunities that can expand its reach
and encourage people around the world to join us in the fight against
cancer."
"Nike has helped raise more than $80 million for LIVESTRONG in
the fight against cancer and today's announcement opens an exciting new
chapter in our partnership," said Scott MacEachern, GM of Nike's LIVESTRONG
Collection. "Having the ability to grow the collection internationally,
reach more people and ensure more consistent contribution to LIVESTRONG's
efforts is an honor we take very seriously. We look forward to helping
take this fight to even greater levels in the years to come."
About the Nike LIVESTRONG Collection
Nike, a long-time supporter of Lance Armstrong and the cancer cause,
created the iconic yellow LIVESTRONG wristband in 2004 and has
been instrumental in making cancer awareness a global phenomenon, with
more than 70 million bands distributed to date. Nike went on to create
the LIVESTRONG collection of running and training apparel,
footwear and accessories in 2008, enabling people to show their support
and wear sports products that help others live strong.
The Nike LIVESTRONG collection invites consumers to show their
support for LIVESTRONG and the 28 million people in the world
living with cancer by wearing yellow. The collection is currently
available in the U.S. at select retailers and online at www.livestrong.org,
www.store-laf.org
and www.nike.com/livestrong.
About LIVESTRONG
At LIVESTRONG, we fight for the 28 million people around the
world living with cancer today. There can be - and should be - life
after cancer for more people. That's why we kick in at the moment of
diagnosis, giving people the resources and support they need to fight
cancer head-on. We find innovative ways to raise awareness, fund
research and end the stigma about cancer that many survivors face. We
connect people and communities to drive social change, and we call for
state, national and world leaders to help fight this disease. Anyone
anywhere can join our fight against cancer. Join us at www.LIVESTRONG.org.
About NIKE, Inc.
NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading
designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear,
apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and
fitness activities. Wholly-owned Nike subsidiaries include Cole Haan,
which designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags,
accessories and coats; Converse Inc., which designs, markets and
distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Hurley
International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports
and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories; and Umbro Ltd., a
leading United Kingdom-based global football (soccer) brand. For more
information, visit www.nikebiz.com.
For more information, including multi-media materials, please visit: www.nikemedia.com

SOURCE: NIKE, Inc.
LIVESTRONG
Katherine McLane, 512-538-4606
or
NIKE, Inc.
Nike Media Relations, 212-367-4447