TOUR STARS A HIT ON THE NET
It was a great day for women's tennis on Tuesday, December 13, as Sony Ericsson WTA Tour players were named in AOL's Ten Most-Searched Athletes of 2005, the most for any one sport. The list was based on online queries from AOLSearch.com, AOL.com and the AOL Service (AOL).

The highest tennis player on the list was American superstar Serena Williams, AOL's third-most searched athlete of 2005. Despite finishing the tennis season ranked outside the Top 10 for the first time in seven years (largely due to ongoing struggles with knee and ankle injuries), Williams was one of four players to capture a Grand Slam singles title in 2005, winning her seventh major in January at the Australian Open. Older sister Venus also tasted Grand Slam glory this season at Wimbledon, but did not make AOL's most-searched list.

Russian teenager Maria Sharapova, who continued to add to her illustrious tennis resume in 2005, was the second-highest tennis player on the list, finishing at No.6. After capturing her first Grand Slam title in 2004 at Wimbledon, Sharapova took things to another level in 2005, ascending to the world No.1 ranking on August 22 and holding that spot for a total of seven non-consecutive weeks before allowing Lindsay Davenport to reclaim it. The 18-year-old was the 15th player in Tour history to achieve the feat, and the first from Russia. She also won her eighth, ninth and 10th career Tour singles titles at Tokyo [Pan Pacific], Doha and Birmingham.

FEDERER WINS ITWA'S PLAYER AND AMBASSADOR AWARDS
The International Tennis Writers Association (ITWA) has voted Roger Federer its Player of the Year for 2005 and awarded him its annual Ambassador for Tennis Award. It’s the second year in succession that Federer has scooped both of the organisation's annual accolades.

The Swiss won Wimbledon and the US Open and was runner-up at the Tennis Masters Cup during 2005, which saw him end the season as World No.1 for the third year running. ITWA’s 104 members (from 17 countries) voted for him as their Player of the Year ahead of Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal.

Tennis journalists and broadcasters also recognized Federer’s professionalism and hard work with the media and his role in helping the sport reach out to new and existing fans. He beat the likes of Andre Agassi and James Blake to pick up his second ITWA Ambassador for Tennis Award.

“The fans see you out on court and maybe they think ‘He’s a great player’, but I don’t know if they realize how much we are doing off the court in trying to improve the game and the image of the sport, which from my point of view are very, very important,” said Federer.

“Roger embodies professional excellence on and off the court,” said Eleanor Preston, Co-President of ITWA. “His friendliness towards the media and his willing and open attitude to promoting tennis is an example to his peers in how to bring the sport to a wider audience. That, even more than his trophies and titles, could be Federer’s most important gift to tennis. We are very, very lucky to have him.”

ITWA voted Kim Clijsters its female Player of the Year and, like Federer, the Belgian also made it a clean sweep by picking up the ITWA Ambassador for Tennis Award.

ITWA was formed five years ago to represent the select group of journalists who travel the globe, week-in and week-out, covering tennis for the written and broadcast media. ITWA includes members from 17 countries and the coverage they provide brings tennis to millions worldwide. ITWA is committed to working with the sport's governing bodies, tournaments, agents and players both to improve the working conditions of tennis journalists and to gain recognition for the media's vital role in the promotion of the sport.

JAMES BLAKE TO BE PROFILED ON 60 MINUTES
The touching story of James Blake's rollercoaster ride on and off the court will be showcased Sunday night on CBS' 60 Minutes. Blake earlier this year appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman (see photo) and The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Reporter Mike Wallace talks with Blake about the major hurdles he overcame to return to professional tennis, including the death of his father, Thomas, his horrific neck injury and his battle with a virus that led to facial paralysis.

In 2005 Blake began to rebuild his career, winning titles in New Haven and Stockholm and reaching the US Open quarterfinals, where he lost an epic five-set battle with Andre Agassi.

"I'm excited to be on 60 Minutes," Blake said. "To be interviewed by a legend like Mike Wallace is definitely not something i ever thought tennis would bring me to, but somehow it has, and I think it is a thrill."
 
60 Minutes airs from 7 p.m. ET Sunday on CBS.

"Now I just hope some of those football games are really interesting at the end on CBS so they can say 'immediately following the game stay tuned for 60 Minutes,' and maybe some fans will stay tuned," joked Blake.

DAVENPORT CLINCHES YEAR-END NO. 1 SONY ERICSSON WTA TOUR RANKING
LOS ANGELES, CA, USA – Lindsay Davenport will add another wonderful achievement to her already-impressive resume on Monday as she will finish 2005 ranked No.1 on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Singles Rankings. It is the fourth time the 29-year-old American has finished as year-end No.1, having also ended the 1998, 2001 and 2004 seasons on top of the official rankings.

With the Tour recently marking the 30th anniversary of its computer singles rankings (November 3, 1975), Davenport becomes only the fourth woman to finish No.1 at least four times, after Steffi Graf (eight times), Martina Navratilova (seven) and Chris Evert (six).

This week's season-ending Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Championships presented by Porsche (November 8-13) featured a battle for the year-end No.1 ranking between Davenport and former No.1 Kim Clijsters. Davenport had reached a Tour-best 10 finals in 2005, winning six titles and finishing runner-up at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. Clijsters, meanwhile, surged from No.134 in March (after missing much of last year with a wrist injury) to her current ranking of No.2, claiming nine titles including her first major, the US Open.

The year-end No.1 ranking would go to whoever performed better this week in Los Angeles out of the American and the Belgian. After two days of round robin play, Davenport had posted a 2-0 record without losing a set and thus securing a semifinal berth, while Clijsters failed to win either of her matches against Mary Pierce or Amélie Mauresmo. When Mauresmo defeated Elena Dementieva on Thursday it ruled Clijsters out of semifinal contention, and consequently dashed her hopes of finishing No.1.

"It's unbelievable to do it four times," said Davenport. "I wouldn't have felt last year that I would have a chance to do that again. But it's been a great year; I came close to winning a Grand Slam a couple of times. This is just a really nice way to end the season."

"Over her nearly 13-year pro career, Lindsay has proven to be one of the Tour's most enduring champions of all-time," said Sony Ericsson WTA Tour CEO, Larry Scott. "To achieve this feat four times over an eight-year period is phenomenal and is testament to the hard work she's put in over her entire career. Lindsay is a fantastic ambassador for women's tennis and I congratulate her on another standout year."

Davenport is currently spending her 87th non-consecutive week at No.1 (sixth all-time), having first reached the top spot on October 12, 1998. She is presently in her eighth different stint at No.1 and is one of only five women to have been ranked No.1 in both singles and doubles.

BERDYCH PREVAILS IN PARIS TO WIN MASTERS SERIES TITLE
Paris, France

In a battle between two players bidding for a first Masters Series shield, Tomas Berdych held off sixth seed Ivan Ljubicic 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 6-4 to complete his stellar run in Paris.

He withstood 28 aces from Ljubicic and saved one of three break point chances to claim the title in three hours and two minutes.

The unseeded Czech, who fired 18 aces of his own, came out strong in the BNP Paribas Masters final, confidently taking the first two sets by converting on timely break chances. His more experienced opponent regained composure to break Berdych at 3-1 in the third and 2-2 in the fourth, but Ljubicic fell short in the end.

In the fifth and deciding set, Berdych never faced a break point as the two players held serve until the final game. Ljubicic saved three match points serving at 4-5 (0-40) to take the game to deuce, but Berdych won the next two points to claim the match.

With the win, the 20-year-old maintained his perfect record in five-set matches (6-0) and capped off a career week that included took down five seeds en route to the title. In addition to prevailing over Ljubicic in the final, Berdych defeated No. 2 Guillermo Coria, No. 13 Juan Carlos Ferrero, No. 7 Gaston Gaudio and No. 8 Radek Stepanek.

Berdych earned just his second career title in his third final of an ATP event. The Czech titled in Palermo last year, and fell against Rafael Nadal in the Bastad final back in July. With his performance in Paris, Berdych lifted his season record to 34-29 and 12-8 in ATP Masters Series events.

--November 5, 2005

NADAL WINS RECORD-TYING FOURTH ATP MASTERS SERIES TITLE
Top seed Rafael Nadal continued the two-man ATP Masters Series domination in 2005 with a come-from-behind victory over Ivan Ljubicic at Masters Series Madrid Sunday. Nadal rallied from two sets down for the first time in his career to snap the 16-match winning streak of Ljubicic, who was seeking a third consecutive title, with a 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(3) victory in front of home fans.

Ljubicic, who fired 32 aces, took a 2-0 lead in the fifth set before Nadal broke back for 2-2 and eventually won in 3 hours, 51 minutes.

Nadal and ATP World No. 1 Roger Federer have won all eight ATP Masters Series titles contested this year. Until this season no player had ever won four ATP Masters Series titles in one season. Nadal, who like Federer has won 11 titles in all this season, has won ATP Masters Series titles in Monte-Carlo, Rome, Montreal and Madrid. He also finished runner-up to Federer in Miami after leading two sets to love.

Nadal's win means the 19-year-old Spaniard now has won an ATP-best 79 matches for the year, two more than Federer, and the most by a teenager since Mats Wilander won 82 matches in 1983.

Nadal won his ninth consecutive final and improved to 28-2 at ATP Masters Series level in 2005. It was his first indoor title.

Top seeds are 25-0 in ATP finals this season.

The 19-year-old Spaniard cannot displace Federer as year-end No. 1 but he is certain to finish at a career-best No. 2 in the INDESIT ATP 2005 Race.

NIKE REPORTS FIRST QUARTER EARNINGS PER SHARE OF $1.61
Sales gains across all regions and product business units. Worldwide futures orders up 11 percent.
Beaverton, OR (19 September, 2005) – NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) today reported record results for the first quarter ended August 31, 2005. Revenue grew eight percent and earnings per diluted share increased 33 percent for the period. The Company reported sales growth across each of its regions and product business units, with particular strength in US footwear in the quarter for both revenues and futures orders.
First quarter revenues increased eight percent to $3.9 billion, compared to $3.6 billion for the same period last year. Net income grew 32 percent to $432.3 million, or $1.61 per diluted share, compared to $326.8 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, for the prior year. “A strong product pipeline and our global management team’s ability to consistently execute across our brand portfolio drove very strong performance for the first quarter,” said William D. Perez, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our results show continued healthy demand for NIKE product worldwide and we remain optimistic about our ability to meet our future goals.”*

Futures Orders
The Company reported worldwide futures orders for athletic footwear and apparel, scheduled for delivery from September 2005 through January 2006, totaling $4.9 billion, 11.0 percent higher than such orders reported for the same period last year . Changes in currency exchange rates had no significant impact on this growth.*
By region, futures orders for the U.S. increased 12 percent; Europe (which includes the Middle East and Africa) increased four percent; Asia Pacific grew 15 percent; and the Americas increased 32 percent. Changes in currency exchange rates reduced the reported futures orders growth in Europe by two percentage points. Futures orders growth in Asia Pacific was not significantly impacted by changes in currency exchange rates. In the Americas region, three percentage points of the increase were due to changes in currency exchange rates.*

Regional Highlights
U.S.
During the first quarter, U.S. revenues increased eight percent to $1.5 billion versus $1.4 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2005 . U.S. athletic footwear revenues increased 11 percent to $1.0 billion . Apparel revenues increased one percent to $395.5 million . Equipment revenues increased four percent to $92.3 million . U.S. pre-tax income improved seven percent to $345.2 million.
Europe
Revenues for the European region grew five percent to $1.22 billion, up from $1.16 billion for the same period last year . One percentage point of this growth was the result of changes in currency exchange rates. Footwear revenues increased three percent to $685.1 million , apparel revenues increased six percent to $435.2 million and equipment revenues increased 14 percent to $97.2 million. Pre-tax income rose 34 percent to $330.2 million.
Asia Pacific
Revenues in the Asia Pacific region grew 13 percent to $459.6 million compared to $406.0 million a year ago . Three percentage points of this growth were the result of changes in currency exchange rates. Footwear revenues were up nine percent to $237.4 m illion, apparel revenues increased 19 percent to $176.5 million and equipment revenues grew 18 percent to $45.7 million . Pre-tax income increased 44 percent to $91.4 million.
Americas
Revenues in the Americas region increased 32 percent to $213.7 million, an improvement from $161.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2005. Currency exchange rates contributed 12 percentage points to this growth rate. Footwear revenues were up 37 percent to $156.9 million , apparel revenues increased 15 percent to $40.7 million and equipment jumped 41 percent to $16.1 million . Pre-tax income was up 119 percent to $44.6 million.
Other Revenues
Other revenues, which include Converse Inc., NIKE Golf, Bauer NIKE Hockey Inc., Cole Haan, Hurley International LLC and Exeter Brands Group LLC, grew six percent to $462.3 million from $434.5 million last year. Pre-tax income was essentially flat versus the prior year at $40.0 million.

NIKE, Inc. based in 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 Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Bauer NIKE Hockey Inc., a leading designer and distributor of hockey equipment; Cole Haan, a leading designer and marketer of luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories and Exeter Brands Group LLC, which designs and markets athletic footwear and apparel for the value retail channel.

FANTASTIC FEDERER DEFENDS US OPEN TITLE

World No. 1 Roger Federer successfully defended his US Open championship and claimed his sixth Grand Slam crown after defeating Andre Agassi in a thrilling final at Flushing Meadows.

The 24-year-old Swiss star completed a 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(1), 6-1 victory in exactly three hours to become the first man since Don Budge in 1937-38 to win back-to-back Wimbledon and US Open titles in consecutive years.

It was Federer’s 10 th ATP title of the season and his 23 rd consecutive victory in a final stretching back to October 2003. Federer’s victory also means he increases his lead in the INDESIT ATP 2005 Race to 357 points over Rafael Nadal in second position.

Federer now has won 32 career titles, second most among active players.

It was Federer’s 35 th consecutive victory on hard courts – topping Pete Sampras’ record of 34 – and improved his hard court record in 2005 to an ATP-best 45-1. He also extends his win-loss record in the season to an incredible 71-3.

NIKE, INC. DONATES $500,000 IN IMMEDIATE AID TO ASSIST IN RELIEF EFFORTS FOR VICTIMS OF HURRICANE KATRINA

Nike, Inc., today announced it is donating $500,000 in immediate aid to the American Red Cross.

“Hurricane Katrina’s damage to Mississippi, Alabama, New Orleans and broader Louisiana is devastating,” said William D. Perez, President and CEO of Nike, Inc. “The American Red Cross said they need cash most immediately to help provide victims of the storm with food, water, and medical supplies that are being shipped in by boat. We are committed to helping now and with rebuilding efforts going forward.”
 
Impact to Nike Operations:
 
Nike Inc. has four factory outlet stores in the affected area of Hurricane Katrina, including stores in Gulfport, Mississippi; Foley, Alabama; Destin, Florida; and Commerce Georgia.  The store in Gulfport, Mississippi remains structurally intact but closed due to water and roof damage.  All other stores are open and operational.  At present time, Nike is not aware of any casualties to Nike employees, but is in the process of contacting employees in the Gulfport area, which is experiencing severe telecommunications outages due to the storm.  
 
Nike employees have been inquiring about how to help with relief efforts. Nike is encouraging employees to make immediate cash donations to the American Red Cross through Nike’s employee gift match or directly to the American Red Cross at:                     
 
American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund
PO Box 37243
Washington, DC 20013  

The company is also posting updates daily to employees and soliciting input from employees on ideas for further response in the region, including gathering product for donations.

--August 31, 2005

About Nike, Inc.
NIKE, Inc. based in 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 Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Bauer NIKE Hockey Inc., a leading designer and distributor of hockey equipment; Cole Haan(R), which designs, markets, and distributes fine dress and casual shoes and accessories; Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories and Exeter Brands Group LLC, which designs and markets athletic footwear and apparel for the value retail channel.

Wimbledon, England--Defending Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova is taking steps to ensure a glittering performance at this year's tournament.

The young Russian said Sunday she'll wear shoes with 24-karat gold specks on the sides.

Maria Sharapova and Roger Federer will wear shoes at Wimbledon that carry a strip of 24-karat gold. Each pair is worth $500.

"It shines unbelievably," Sharapova said. "Hopefully it can distract my opponents a little bit."

Sharapova said she has 10 pairs of the gold-speckled shoes, which Nike said are worth $500 a pair.

LAUREUS WORLD SPORT AWARDS

Estoril, Portugal--Switzerland’s Roger Federer won the most prestigious award in sport when he was named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year following a brilliant 2004 in which he won three Grand Slam tennis tournaments and established himself as undisputed No.1 in the world, at the age of just 23.

In an Olympic year, Britain’s Kelly Holmes, winner of a celebrated 800 metres and 1,500 metres double gold in Athens, was honoured as Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year, while China’s Liu Xiang, who won the 110 metres hurdles at just 21, was named Laureus World Newcomer of the Year.

There was an emotional reception at the Awards Ceremony, staged at the Casino Estoril in Portugal, for Italy’s Alessandro Zanardi, who won the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award after courageously returning to the track after a horrific motor racing accident in which he lost both his legs.

The Laureus World Sports Awards has established a unique place in the sporting calendar, honouring the greatest sportsmen and sportswomen from around the world. In the audience at the Awards Ceremony at the Casino Estoril, which is watched by a global TV audience of 460 million, were members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, sports guests and celebrities including His Majesty the King of Spain, Hollywood stars Jackie Chan, Teri Hatcher, Joely Richardson, Marcia Gay Harden, Woody Harrelson and Morgan Freeman, Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone, England football coach Sven Goran Eriksson, England football captain David Beckham and his wife Victoria Beckham and former Formula One drivers Jean Alesi and Mika Hakkinen.

The winners are selected by the ultimate sports jury - the 40 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy. Among these legends of sport who were in Estoril were: Boris Becker, Ian Botham, Sergey Bubka, Sebastian Coe, Nadia Comaneci, David Douillet, Emerson Fittipaldi, Sean Fitzpatrick, Tanni Grey-Thompson, Tony Hawk, Miguel Indurain, Michael Johnson, Kip Keino, Franz Klammer, Edwin Moses, Robby Naish, Ilie Nastase, Martina Navratilova, Gary Player, Morné du Plessis, Hugo Porta, Mark Spitz, Daley Thompson and Katarina Witt.

The year 2004 saw Roger Federer (Laureus World Sportsman of the Year) become the dominant force in world tennis. He completed arguably the most spectacular 12 months by a tennis player in the open era, becoming the first man since 1988 to win three out of four Grand Slam events in the same calendar year, winning the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open. He also won Wimbledon in 2003, becoming the first Swiss to do so. Now 24, Federer established himself as indisputable World No.1, winning 11 times in 2004, the best performance in almost 20 years.
Laureus World Sports Academy member tennis legend Boris Becker, himself a multi-Grand Slam winner, said: “It was a phenomenal year for Roger Federer. He is not only a skilful player, but he is wonderful to watch. In 2004 he seemed to be able to win the un-winnable points and out-think his opponents. He served up superb, winning tennis throughout the year and at 24 it leaves us all wondering what he can achieve in the future.”

"It's gratifying to see the sporting world acknowledge the magnitude of Roger's achievementsin 2004. He is also recognized as an outstanding ambassador not just for tennis, but for all sports." ATP's CEO Mark Miles said about the Swiss star's achievement.

The full list of Award winners is:

Laureus World Sportsman of the Year: Roger Federer Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year: Kelly Holmes Laureus World Team of the Year: Greece Men’s Football Team Laureus World Comeback of the Year: Alessandro Zanardi Laureus World Newcomer of the Year: Liu Xiang Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Chantal Petitclerc Laureus World Alternative Sportsperson of the Year: Ellen MacArthur

The Laureus Spirit of Sport Award was presented to Boston Red Sox The Laureus Sport for Good Award was presented to Northern Irish boxing coach Gerry Storey

The Laureus World Sports Awards were established in 1999 by Founding Patrons DaimlerChrysler and Richemont, who are represented through their brands Mercedes-Benz and IWC Schaffhausen. The awards honour the achievements of the world's greatest sportsmen and sportswomen on an annual basis, and also contribute to social change through the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.
--May 16, 2005 

NIKE EARNINGS JUMP 36 PERCENT IN THIRD QUARTER
By Rukmini Callimachi
PORTLAND, Oregon--Nike Inc. posted a 36-percent increase in third-quarter profits on Thursday, with continued strong sales in the first quarterly report since co-founder Phil Knight stepped down as CEO of the athletic shoe and clothing giant.
Net income was $273.4 million (€204.4 million), or $1.01 per share, up from $200.3 million, or 74 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.
The results were aided by a 14 percent jump in revenue to $3.31 billion (€2.5 billion), up from $2.9 billion.
The profit was 2 cents per share better than the 99 cents projected by Wall Street analysts, according to Thomson First Call.
"These consistently strong results were driven by excellent performance across geographies and brands, coupled with favorable trends in foreign exchange rates," said William D. Perez, who took over as president and CEO from Knight in December. He noted particularly robust growth in the emerging consumer markets of China, Russia and Brazil.
Worldwide future orders jumped to $5.2 billion (€3.9 billion), nearly a 10 percent increase compared to the same quarter last year.
Perez joined the Beaverton-based Nike after holding the same positions at S.C. Johnson & Son Inc., the consumer products company that makes Glade air fresheners and Drano drain cleaner.
Nike shares rose $1.22, or 1.4 percent, in late trading, after the income statement was released. The shares rose 39 cents to close at $86.83 in regular trading Thursday on the New York Stock Exchange.
--Associated Press Writer, March 3, 2005

FEDERER, SHARAPOVA SHINE AT STARS FOR STARS
Miami, Florida, U.S.A.— World No. 1 Roger Federer and Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova each received three awards tonight at the inaugural joint ATP and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour awards ceremony. Tennis’ finest players and tournaments were honored at Stars for Stars – A Celebration of Tennis Excellence, an event presented by the ATP, Mercedes-Benz and the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.

The 2004 Pro Tennis Choice Awards Presented by Waterford Crystal featured 19 awards won by 14 different players. Michael Barkann served as emcee, entertaining the 300-plus guests, with ATP CEO Mark Miles and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Chairman and CEO Larry Scott on hand to welcome the crowd and present the top awards.

Sharapova won the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Player of the Year honors and WTAtour.com users voted her as their Fans’ Favorite. Additionally, Sharapova’s peers and the media voted her the Most Improved Player of 2004. The 17-year-old Russian claimed four titles, including her first career Grand Slam at Wimbledon and the season-ending championships.

Federer dominated the ATP awards as he did the 2004 season when he won 11 titles, including three Grand Slams, the Tennis Masters Cup and three ATP Masters Series titles. The Swiss was named the 2004 Player of the Year and also won the Fans’ Favorite Award Presented by RICOH, an award selected by fans of ATPtennis.com. Federer also was voted by his fellow players as the Stefan Edberg Sportsman of the Year, an award he received Tuesday from Todd Martin, a two-time winner of the award.

In a special presentation by renowned author Mark Mathabane, the South African native presented Andy Roddick with the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year Award. The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour’s Diamond Aces Award went to Anastasia Myskina.

Comeback Player of the Year honors went to Serena Williams and Tommy Haas, while the ATP Most Improved honor went to big-serving Swede Joachim Johansson. French teen Tatiana Golovin and 21-year-old German Florian Mayer were named the Newcomers of the Year. The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Sportsmanship Award went to World No. 1 Lindsay Davenport while Virginia Ruano Pascual and Paola Suarez were named Doubles Team of the Year. Mark Knowles and Daniel Nestor earned the ATP Doubles Team of the Year honors.

The NASDAQ-100 Open was named the ATP Masters Series tournament of the year, while the Dubai Duty Free Men’s Open was voted the best International Series Gold tournament. The Synsam Swedish Open in Bastad and the U.S. Men’s Claycourt Championships in Houston shared the top honor as the best International Series tournaments, as voted by players.

The ATP’s Ron Bookman Media Excellence Award was presented to The Tennis Channel, which continues to showcase tennis to a growing subscriber base. The network, which last week announced a multiyear affiliation with Comcast Cable, the leading cable operator in the United States, was on hand filming a behind-the-scenes special about Stars for Stars that will air on April 10.

The awards program, hosted by the Four Seasons Hotel Miami in association with NetJets, benefited First Serve, an organization that empowers young people by providing local tennis facilities and schools with a life skills program that promotes positive values, healthy habits and education through the game of tennis. The 2010 goal is to offer First Serve programming in 100 major cities throughout the world to more than 500,000 children who otherwise would not have these opportunities. First Serve children presented the Waterford Crystal trophies during the ceremonies.
--March 22, 2005

SWISS, RUSSIAN STARS NAMED 2004 CHAMPIONS
Reuters
LONDON -- Switzerland's Roger Federer and Russian Anastasia Myskina were named 2004 International Tennis Federation World Champions on Monday.

Federer, 23, dominated the men's game this year, winning 11 titles, including three Grand Slams and the Masters Cup.
Russian Myskina, the French Open champion, pipped France's Amelie Mauresmo after impressive performances in the Grand Slams, the Olympics and the Fed Cup.

"Roger Federer was the clear choice for ITF World Champion based on his extraordinary performance in 2004," ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti said in a statement.

"The selection of Anastasia Myskina came down to her performance at the Olympic Games, where she reached the semifinals, and her seven singles wins in Fed Cup in 2004."

Federer won the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open to become the first man since Sweden's Mats Wilander in 1988 to win three Grand Slam titles in one season.

Myskina, 23, continued Russia's domination of women's tennis. Maria Sharapova won Wimbledon, and Svetlana Kuznetsova clinched the U.S. Open by beating compatriot Elena Dementieva in the final.

ROGER RECEIVES TOP HONOR
On Tuesday, ROGER FEDERER was officially crowned No. 1 during a ceremony on court with ATP CEO Mark Miles and INDESIT Chief Marketing Officer Fabio D’Angelantonio. Federer, who became the earliest to secure the top spot when he clinched it after winning the US Open in September, was presented the INDESIT ATP 2004 Race trophy in a ceremony on Tuesday. “I’m very happy and proud to be standing here as the No. 1 player in the world,” Federer said. “It’s been a fantastic year. All the years have kept adding up and up; it’s hard to believe what I achieved this year. It’s a very special moment.” In addition to the Waterford Crystal trophy, the Swiss star was presented with a cake celebrating his achievement.

DOUBLING UP
On Thursday, MARK KNOWLES and DANIEL NESTOR were honored for finishing the year as the No. 1 doubles team for the second time in three years. Both players were presented a Waterford Crystal trophy for finishing as the top team in the ATP Doubles Race 2004 by ATP CEO Mark Miles. The team also finished as No. 1 in 2003.

PRESIDENTIAL AUDIENCE
Once again former United States President George H. W. Bush has been a regular at the Westside Tennis Club. On Tuesday he was given a tour of the new facilities and was introduced to most of the players. President Bush also took time to have lunch with ROGER FEDERER.

SHARAPOVA RELIEVED AFTER AMAZING YEAR 
So what's a girl who loves to shop do with $1 million? "That's a lot of shoes," says Maria Sharapova, winner of Wimbledon and the year-end WTA Championships. The 17-year-old Russian is headed off to a "super-fantastic" vacation knowing she beat the world's top players over five consecutive days to earn one of the richest paychecks in women's tennis. "I certainly deserve a spot on that list," she said. Sharapova rose to a career-high fourth in the year-end WTA rankings released Tuesday after starting the year at No. 32. She finished with a 55-15 match record and her fifth title after defeating an injured Serena Williams 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 Monday night. "I've had an amazing year and accomplished so much," she said. "To achieve so much, I don't think a lot of people realize that I'm still 17."
--The Times-News Online, Wednesday, November 17, 2004.

NIKE'S RECYCLED CLOTHING PLAN EARNS KUDOS
What’s next? Readers ask us that question all the time. And we ask the people we write about the same thing. This first incarnation of the Fast Forward list is an attempt to capture what comes out of those conversations, to look around the corner and offer some insight into the ideas, people and trends that will affect the way we work and live in 2005. Perhaps the most thrilling part of putting together a list of 101 emerging ideas is seeing the innovation and optimism bubbling up in so many arenas, from packaged goods to biotech to security. In a stagnant business climate, it’s easy to get dejected about whether there are, in fact, any big ideas left to pursue. An Internet may not come along every year to transform our lives, but not every mountain has to be Everest. We can still get pretty excited about an advance in shopping-cart technology for example. At the heart of each of the 101 items on the list lies an idea. It may be convenience or transparency or a new way to think about strategy. We think you’ll see ideas that will help you change the way you work or how your company does business. In some case, you may just be able to adopt the concept itself. In others, you may be inspired by the soul of it.  Number 14 on the list of 101 emerging ideas is Nike’s Recycling. Sustainability isn’t just a food or energy thing: Nike’s foray into recycled clothing shows how even the apparel world can experiment with it. The sportswear manufacturer is introducing a line of 100% recycled men’s fitness wear this fall; a women’s line is expected next spring. “Line” may not be the right word, though. The goal is to weave clothes made from organic, regenerative (recycled), and renewable materials into existing collections.
--Fast Company, Monday, November 1, 2004.

AGASSI NETS $6.1 MILLION FOR CHILDREN
ANDRE AGASSI’s ninth-annual, star-studded “Grand Slam for Children” raised more than $6.1 million for the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation to benefit youth organizations in Southern Nevada. “Once again, I am overwhelmed by the ongoing support the Grand Slam for Children receives each year,” Agassi said. “It is gratifying to know that the money we raised tonight will directly benefit children who require immediate assistance.” More than 5,300 fans crowded the MGM Grand Garden Arena for a concert featuring India.Arie, Josh Groban, Faith Hill, John Mayer, Tim McGraw, Ray Romano and Robin Williams. In addition, more the 2,200 people attended the black-tie VIP dinner and live auction. Among the auction items were a private tennis clinic with Agassi and his wife Stefanie Graf, dinner with Robin Williams and his wife, and a custom-designed meal by Chef Emeril Lagasse in New Orleans. More than 77,000 people have attended the nine Grand Slam for Children events, raising more than $42.2 million for the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation.
(ATP Insider -- For the Week of Oct. 4)

FEDERER ON DISPLAY
The International Tennis Hall Fame is now displaying a shirt, shorts, headband and a racquet belonging to ROGER FEDERER that the world No. 1 donated to the Hall following his third Grand Slam title of 2004 at the US Open.  Federer, who has won 10 titles this year, became the first player since Mats Wilander in 1998 to win three Grand Slams in one calendar year after he claimed the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles in addition to the US Open. Federer’s gear is on display in the Grand Slam Gallery of the Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I.
ATP Insider -- For the Week of Oct. 4

AGASSI FINDS BALANCE WITH GRAF
The secret to success in life? Easy, says Andre Agassi: Find a wife like Steffi Graf. Agassi has found it trying at times to juggle family life, a demanding tennis schedule and his charity work. He concedes he's thought about retirement for the past five years. "The first key to a great sense of balance is having a great wife," Agassi said by telephone recently. "Without a support system, it wouldn't be possible." Agassi and his tennis star-wife are raising two children. "It's a challenge," Agassi says. "As hard as it is at times, the things that are enjoyable are more enjoyable now." Agassi, 34, is ranked seventh in the world and has committed to a full tournament schedule next year. "I think we all need challenges in our life," he said. "Because I'm older ... I have a greater capacity to appreciate the rare moments." Agassi hosts his ninth annual Grand Slam for Children benefit concert in Las Vegas on Oct. 2. Sponsored by the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, the show will feature Josh Groban, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, John Mayer, Ray Romano and Robin Williams. The concert has raised more than $36 million for charity.
--New York Newsday, Tuesday, September 28, 2004.

NIKE DETICATED TO HELPING KIDS GET UP AND GO

NikeGO and Positive Coaching Alliance are on a crusade to fight childhood obesity by making positive coaching the industry standard for youth sports in Los Angeles. For the second year, Positive Coaching Alliance has received an 80K grant from NikeGO to provide 70 adult sports training workshops to targeted communities who would not otherwise have access. NikeGO is Nike's signature U.S. community affairs initiative and the company's long-term commitment to getting kids more physically active. Jim Thompson, founder and executive director of Positive Coaching Alliance states, "We are creating a social epidemic of positive coaching. Thanks to NikeGO's continued support in Los Angeles, we will be able to deepen our efforts in the communities we serve." During the 2003-2004 school year, PCA was able to impact 27,000 kids through its programs supported by NikeGO. "We look forward to supporting PCA's efforts in Los Angeles for a second year," notes Molly White, Nike's director of U.S. community affairs. "With 70% of kids dropping out of youth sports by age 13 in the U.S., we are dedicated to working with Positive Coaching Alliance to reverse this trend." Funding is currently available for select organizations throughout the Los Angeles area.
--Obesity, Fitness and Wellness Week, Saturday, September 25, 2004.

SHARAPOVA LAUNCHES SIGNATURE SCENT

Wimbledon Champion, Maria Sharapova has signed an exclusive license agreement with Parlux Fragrances, to launch a signature fragrance under her own name. Parlux expects to launch before the end of 2005. "This is a great opportunity for me to do something creative and fun," 17-year-old Sharapova said. "I love the world of fashion and I'm looking forward to experiencing it first-hand.” Ilia Lekach, Chairman and CEO of Parlux added, "We believe that Maria is a special young lady with a remarkable sense of fashion. She exudes a passion for being the best and her talent promises a brilliant career far beyond tennis. Her accomplishments attest to her athletic prowess and we expect to support her fashion aspirations with an equally successful fragrance.  We believe her fragrance will also spearhead our global expansion into Eastern Europe." Sharapova, the world's ninth-ranked tennis player and one of the youngest champions ever at Wimbledon, has built a global fan base. She is an emerging personality who possesses a champion's desire to succeed.
--PR Newswire, Monday, September 20, 2004.

NIKE AHEAD OF THE GAME

Nike, the world's largest athletic shoe company, on Monday reported a 25 percent rise in quarterly profit, beating analysts' estimates, on growing demand for its namesake products in the United States. The Beaverton, Oregon-based company said fiscal first-quarter net income increased to $326.8 million, or $1.21 per share, from $261.2 million, or 98 cents per share, a year earlier. Analysts on average were expecting $1.11 per share on revenue of $3.46 billion, according to Reuters Estimates. Revenue rose 18 percent to $3.56 billion from $3.02 billion a year earlier, driven by double-digit gains in the United States, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. The company's worldwide futures orders for athletic footwear and apparel for delivery between September 2004 and January 2005, a key forward-looking indicator, increased nearly 10 percent to $4.3 billion. "We're off to a great start," said Philip H. Knight, Nike's chairman and chief executive, noting that domestic orders are at their highest level in more than seven years.
-MSN Money, Monday, September 20, 2004.

NIKE'S DISCIPLINE PAYS OFF IMMEDIATELY

In many ways, the sleek, four-story building that houses Nike’s Innovation Kitchen is a throwback to the company's earliest days. Located on the ground floor of the Mia Hamm building on Nike's 175-acre headquarters campus in Beaverton, Ore., the Kitchen is where Nike cooked up the shoes that made it the star of the $35 billion athletic footwear industry. In this think tank for sneakers, designers find inspiration in everything from Irish architecture to the curving lines of a Stradivarius violin. One wall displays models of every Air Jordan ever made, while low-rise cubicles are littered with sketches of new shoes. The Kitchen is off limits to most visitors and even to most Nike employees. The sign on the door says, only half in jest: "Nobody gets in to see the cooks. Not nobody. Not no how." This is where, nearly 20 years ago, Nike star designer Tinker Hatfield came up with the Air Jordan -- the best-selling sports shoe of all time. These days, Nike is the Establishment when it comes to global sports marketing. With revenues exceeding $12 billion in fiscal 2004, the company that Philip H. Knight started three decades ago by selling sneakers out of the back of a car at track meets has finally grown up. More and more, Nike is searching for the right balance between its creative and its business sides, relying on a newfound financial and managerial discipline to drive growth. "Senior management now has a clear understanding of managing the creative process and bringing it to the bottom line. That's the big difference compared to the past," says Robert Toomey, an equity analyst at RBC Dain Rauscher Inc. in Seattle. Nike believes its newfound discipline will enable it to meet its targets of 15% average annual profit growth and revenue growth in the high single digits. Wall Street shares that optimism. Says John J. Shanley, an analyst at Susquehanna Financial Group, an institutional broker in Bala Cynwyd, Pa.: "Nike is probably in the best financial position it has been in a decade." In fact, some analysts believe Nike is poised to become a $20 billion company by the end of the decade.
--BusinessWeek, Thursday, September 9, 2004

FEDERER IN THE CENTRE OF ATTENTION

Nike's big ad campaign for the 2004 U.S. Open features a close-up of Switzerland's Roger Federer, the world's top-ranked tennis player, festooned with the message "(Heart symbol) It or Leave It." As catchphrases go, this one is tough to figure out. Here in the tennis ghetto, Federer isn't exactly a polarizing figure. In fact, you'd be hard pressed to find someone more revered. Mention his name to colleagues and you get the equivalent of a present-tense eulogy. Monica Seles will tell you that Federer is the one player whom she would pay to watch. Serena Williams describes his game as "beautiful." Andy Roddick -- the player who is the closest thing Federer has to a rival -- famously remarked, "Geez, maybe I can play like him one day." Though it took longer than it should have, Federer is starting to get his due from the masses. The marketing honchos at the USTA finally had the good sense to feature Federer prominently in the pre-tournament promotion. Even though he -- horrors! -- is not American. And when Federer, the U.S. Open's top seed, took center stage Monday afternoon for his first-round match against Spain's Albert Costa, thousands filed into Arthur Ashe Stadium and the Brahmins in the suites turned to face the court. Federer didn't disappoint, turning in a clinical straight-set win that included his customary allotment of Dude-you-gotta-be-kidding-me shots. And again, he showed that he is a walking, talking, winner-zinging refutation for the shabby critiques that beset tennis.
--Sports Illustrated.com, Wednesday, September 1, 2004.

FEDERER & AGASSI ADVANCE

Top seed Roger Federer beat Albert Costa in their first-round match at the U.S. Open, and two-time champion Andre Agassi beat Robby Ginepri as the final Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year got under way. The 23-year-old Federer, the Australian Open and Wimbledon champion this year, won 7-5, 6-2, 6-4 over Costa, of Spain, on the main court at Arthur Ashe Stadium at the National Tennis Center in New York. Agassi, seeded sixth in the men's draw, won 7- 6, 6-4, 6-2 over Ginepri. Federer is trying to become the first man to win three Grand Slams in one year since Sweden's Mats Wilander in 1988. Federer also won Wimbledon last year, when he reached the fourth round of the U.S. Open. “That would be more than enough for me, to win three out of four,” the Swiss-born Federer said in a post-match press conference. “To be second after Wilander to do it, it would be nice. We're not there yet. Let's just be patient.” Federer next plays qualifier Marcos Baghdatis, who beat Oliver Mutis in four sets. The 34-year-old Agassi won his featured night match in just under two hours to advance to a second-round meeting with Florian Mayer or Flavio Saretta. Agassi won the U.S. Open in 1994 and 1999 and was runner-up in 1990, 1995 and 2002.
--Bloomberg News, Monday, August 30, 2004.

SEE IT ON THE COURT, FIND IT ON THE RACKS

Don’t have the game of Maria Sharapova? No problem. You can still dress like her - or Jennifer Capriati or Justine Henin-Hardenne. Many of the female players at next week’s US Open will be wearing apparel that’s on the shelves at department and athletic stores. Nike has provided Ms. Sharapova with a Sphere Shine tennis dress in grey. The dynamic lines suggest the famous Nike “swoosh” (the same style is for sale at Niketown. Made of Sphere-Dry and Dri-Fit fabrics that proved maximum breathability, the dress also has little “origami” cutouts on the sides that let a little breeze flow. Lindsay Davenport and Amelie Mauresmo also choose their on-court looks from Nike’s high-performance retail lines. Serena Williams, though, has worked with Nike on something that’s more in keeping with her aggressive style - high-performance denim and sneaker-boots. Justine Henin-Hardenne has design input on the gear that Adidas creates for its competition collection. According to a spokesman for the company, Ms. Henin-Hardenne prefers skirts, not shorts and shirts with sleeves - no tank tops. “She really prefers to have at least a cap sleeve,“ said Adidas spokesman Matt Martell. Mod styles from the 60s and 70s inspired Fila’s high-performance collection for the US Open. Ms. Capriati and Ms. Clijsters will have two color palates to choose from: groovy pink and white strips on black fabric or the more traditional white, red and navy. You can purchase the same looks at Bloomingdale’s. 
--The New York Sun, Thursday, August 26, 2004.

ROGER TAKES MANHATTAN

INDESIT ATP 2004 Race leader ROGER FEDERER spent much time with the media in New York City this week. Federer started Tuesday at CNN, where he did a live interview for “CNN Live Today,” before sitting down to film a segment for “CNN Insights.” The Australian Open and Wimbledon champion then went to Central Park for an interview with USA Network and a photo shoot with USA Today. He finished the day with one-on-one interviews with writers from The New York Times, Sports Illustrated and USA Today. During an appearance at watchmaker Maurice Lacroix on Wednesday, Federer was interviewed by James Lipton, the host of the “Inside the Actors’ Studio” program that features Hollywood’s biggest names. Fashion mogul and Vogue Magazine editor in chief Anna Wintour invited Federer and his girlfriend Mirka out for lunch in Manhattan on Thursday.
--ATP Insider -- For the Week of August 23

ATP FOUNDATION CUP RAISES $62,500 FOR HALL OF FAME

The International Tennis Hall of Fame announced that $62,500 was raised for Hall by the inaugural ATP Foundation Cup presented by Mercedes-Benz. JOHN McENROE and TONY ROCHE defeated ANDRE AGASSI and ROD LAVER 8-5 in the exhibition match that was held July 11 in Newport, R.I. The match was held prior to the formal induction of the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2004, and coincided with the Hall’s 50th anniversary and the 2004 Campbell’s Hall of Fame Championships. The money was raised through the sale of nearly 5,000 tickets for the event. “I do not recall an event that has reveived such acclaim,” International Tennis Hall of Fame CEO Mark Stenning said. Waterford Crystal joined Mercedes-Benz in sponsoring the event that was broadcast by The Tennis Channel.
--ATP Insider -- For the Week of August 23

SERENA'S BOOTS MADE FOR THE COURT

Every year in early September, two fashion spectacles play out in New York City: one at the tents in Bryant Park, which makes use of models with limbs as delicate as candlewicks; and another across the river in Flushing, Queens, at the U.S. Tennis Association's National Tennis Center, which showcases men and women with biceps and triceps as big as 2-liter Evian bottles. The long, slow democratization of tennis has resulted in looser dress codes, which arguably have made the sport much more fun to watch and turned the Open into another big American runway event. And this brings us to the question: What will Serena Williams wear? In conjunction with Wilson Smith, Nike's footwear designer for tennis, Williams will wear, among other looks, a pleated denim skirt with "moisture management properties," as Nike's press material describes it; a black double-layer mesh dress; and a bra in a color to match her skin tone. More remarkably, Williams, during practice at least, will be taking to the courts in boots. "Whenever we got together, I noticed that Serena always wore boots," Wilson said. So he designed her pair of sneakers with a removable sleeve that attaches at the foot and climbs up to the knee. The sleeve, Smith explained, offers extra support for weary calf muscles. The Nike shoe-boot represents a departure from the more feminine looks Ms. Williams has championed in recent tournaments. “I’ve been in love with pink this year,” she said. What about the denim? “Serena fondly remembered how in the 90’s we put Agassi on the court in denim,” Mindy Grossman, the Nike vice president for global apparel, said. “It was acid denim, actually, which many of us would wish to forget.” 
--The New York Times, Tuesday, August 24, 2004.

NIKE'S RESEARCH LAB ACHIEVING UNPRECEDENTED FEAT

Nike researchers are giving the boot to some old ideas about shoes. Company researchers are working on a product that Nike hopes will be as revolutionary as its Air cushioning technology: a shoe, designed to mimic running barefoot. Flexing your foot hardly seems extraordinary. But to Jeff Pisciotta, the act is highly underrated. The foot has 28 bones, 25 joints and 12 tendons crossing the ankle joint and 18 muscles - all acting in concert while stuffed into a small package. Pisciotta is a senior researcher at Nike's Sports Research Lab where they study how feet and shoes function - from the way pressure dissipates each time a runner's foot strikes the ground to how women's toes flex and grip better than men's. The studies are all part of efforts to help turn ideas into products - and potential moneymakers - for Nike, the world's largest athletic footwear and apparel company.
--KATU.com, Sunday, August 22, 2004.

NIKE'S RESEARCH LAB ACHIEVING UNPRECEDENTED FEAT

Nike researchers are giving the boot to some old ideas about shoes. Company researchers are working on a product that Nike hopes will be as revolutionary as its Air cushioning technology: a shoe, designed to mimic running barefoot. Flexing your foot hardly seems extraordinary. But to Jeff Pisciotta, the act is highly underrated. The foot has 28 bones, 25 joints and 12 tendons crossing the ankle joint and 18 muscles - all acting in concert while stuffed into a small package. Pisciotta is a senior researcher at Nike's Sports Research Lab where they study how feet and shoes function - from the way pressure dissipates each time a runner's foot strikes the ground to how women's toes flex and grip better than men's. The studies are all part of efforts to help turn ideas into products - and potential moneymakers - for Nike, the world's largest athletic footwear and apparel company.
--KATU.com, Sunday, August 22, 2004

"LIVE STRONG" WRISTBANDS CREEPING INTO POLITICS, FASHION

John Kerry wears one. President Bush has one too. So do several movie stars. One of the hottest fashion trends in America is the "Live Strong" yellow wristband produced by the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the cycling superstar's cancer-fighting organization. Since the fund-raising effort started in May, the charity has sold 7 million of the rubber bands for $1 each with plans for 1.8 million more. Nike donated the first $1 million, and proceeds go toward programs for young people with cancer. Sales easily surpassed the $6 million the foundation initially hoped to raise. "It's been an overwhelming experience," foundation President Mitch Stoller said Friday. "I think everybody, from average Americans to celebrities, are getting the message of courage and hope."
--King5.com/Associated Press, Monday, August 2, 2004.

SERVING UP THE SPEED

In 10 years, the top recorded service speed on the ATP Tour has gone from 134 mph to 153 mph, and the number of players recorded hitting serves 120 mph or faster has grown from 74 to 171. Changes in technology and an onset of bigger, stronger players have fueled that arms race. But here's the unsung story: Those serves are coming back. "The biggest difference these days is guys' ability to return well and pass well and hit winners from the baseline," big server Taylor Dent said. Returners have adjusted to tennis' faster pace. Aces are down slightly. The serve-and-volley style is hardly employed anymore. Servers are upping the amperage now almost out of necessity. Second serves, previously a conservative venture, often now are being struck in excess of 120 mph, too. "Guys are returning better, so you have to go for more," said Greg Rusedski, who had two stints as the sport's fastest server. "You have to be aggressive on first and second (serves), or else guys are going to get a bead on it." Andre Agassi often is cited for revolutionizing the service return. It's worth noting that when Andy Roddick hit a then-record-tying 149 mph serve last June, Agassi safely returned it.
--The Cincinnati Enquirer, Sunday, August 8, 2004.

STAR-STUDDED USTA EXTRAVAGANZA

The USTA announces that teen R&B sensation JoJo and dynamic singer/songwriter Gavin DeGraw will join tennis stars Andy Roddick, Serena Williams, Roger Federer, the Bryan Brothers and other top players to headline Arthur Ashe Kids' Day presented by Hess. The ninth annual day-long festival of kids' tennis activities -- including interactive games, musical entertainment, free clinics and the World TeamTennis finals -- will take place on Saturday, August 28 at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, N.Y. Hosted by MTV VJ Quddus, Arthur Ashe Kids' Day is the official kick-off event for the 2004 US Open that runs August 30 - September 12. Kids' activities include: The Hess Express Obstacle Course, Olympus Design to Win, American Express Skills Challenge, George Foreman Drill the Grill, NIKEGo Tennis, IBM Speed Zone, Lincoln Navigate Your Shot, AOL® for Broadband/KOL Net Kids, Barilla Challenge of Champions, and USA Tennis clinics and games.
Yahoo! Finance, Thursday, August 12, 2004.

YELLOW BANDS NOT FLEETING FAD

All is quiet at Nike headquarters this week. Everyone is in Athens. Still, word is getting out: "Hold on. They're coming." They are the yellow rubber "LIVE STRONG" bracelets that have turned out to be summer's hottest accessory. Nine million of the $1 wristlets with bicyclist Lance Armstrong's motto were snapped up within weeks after they were introduced this spring. They are a driving force in the "Wear Yellow Live Strong" campaign launched by Nike and the Lance Armstrong Foundation, which raises money to help cancer survivors. At Bicycle World in Mount Kisco, owner Eric Marcos says he had a "quick spike" in sales of the bracelets,” he says. He had about 300, and they're all gone: "Now we just get the phone calls asking for them." But the word from Nike is that 2 million more will be on their way in the next few weeks. The best places to get them are at Niketown stores and at wearyellow.com.
The Journal News, Monday, August 16, 2004.

AGASSI, 34, BECOMES OLDEST ATP TOUR WINNER IN 15 YEARS

A resurgent Andre Agassi defeated 10th-seeded Lleyton Hewitt, 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, Saturday to win the Cincinnati Masters tournament in Mason, Ohio. Agassi, the 11th seed, beat 21-year-old Andy Roddick in the semifinals, then wore down the 23-year-old Australian in the final. He broke Hewitt's serve three times. "This certainly gives me a new life," said Agassi, who has been battling an inflamed hip. "I came into this week with a lot of questions. So for me to end up winning was beyond what I could have expected." Agassi, 34, is the oldest ATP Tour winner since Jimmy Connors won consecutive titles in 1989 at age 37.
--The Washington Post, Monday, August 9, 2004.

NIKE MEETS THREE PERCENT GIVING TARGET FOR FOURTH STRAIGHT YEAR

Nike reported today that in its fiscal year ended May 31, 2004, it contributed $37.3 million in cash, product and in-kind services to non-profit organizations and community partners around the world, exceeding its annual target of investing 3% of the company's pre-tax earnings for the fourth consecutive year. The total contribution represents 3.3% of the company's fiscal year 2003 pre-tax profit and served more than 4,500 charitable organizations. "Nike's community investment efforts are directed toward two principal platforms - getting kids physically active and helping address the challenges of globalization faced by women and girls," said Bob Speltz, Nike's Director of Global Community Affairs. "Almost half of our community efforts this year were focused against the goal of improving young people's lives around the world through sport, movement and increased physical activity." Nike's $37.3 million in contributions consisted of $16.2 million in cash grants, or 43 percent of the donations, and $21.1 million in product and in-kind services, or 57 percent of the overall investment. A significant component of Nike's effort to increase youth participation in physical activity is the NikeGO program, which has served approximately 150,000 kids since its launch in the U.S. in September 2002. Nike U.S. employees contributed more than 71,000 volunteer hours - an increase of 6 percent from last year - and more than $2.5 million to charitable organizations. Nike matched the volunteer hours at $10 per hour and cash contributions dollar for dollar resulting in an additional $3.1 million toward communities - a slight increase over fiscal year 2003.
--SocialFunds.com, Monday, August 9, 2004.

ANDRE AGASSI TRANSCRIPT

Presenting His Wife, Stefanie Graf, for International Tennis Hall of Fame Induction Sunday, July 11, 2004

"I truly consider it a rare honor to stand here today before so many of you that have done so much for our sport and have meant so much to me and Stefanie. Looking out across this audience filled with warm friends and great champions I am overwhelmed with the history and the tradition of this moment."

"As I attempt to find words worthy to introduce the person that has changed my life, I realize that the words have yet to be invented that are large enough, colorful enough or true enough to express the heart and soul of this woman that I love."

"Stefanie, I wonder what can I possibly say to do justice to the way you've lived your life and to the lives that you have changed."

"I began several years ago on the small chalkboard sitting in our kitchen, a tradition that I've carried on every night. At the end of each day I have picked up the chalk and tried to express the many things you mean to me. Sometimes just a brief line, sometimes a short story, but always just the overflow from a grateful heart, and yet after these
months and years of writing to you each night I have never been at a shortage of ways to reflect the light you've brought into my life. And now how ironic that in these few short moments I need to capture in words these things I so deeply appreciate in you. Maybe I can say it to you this simple way."

"Not long ago we were on the road and I looked out our hotel room window from the upper floor of a very tall high rise. I could see the rooftop of an old and beautiful cathedral. It was stunning with its carved stone and marble - all done so perfectly. I could not believe the work of art I was seeing and I wondered how many years did they take to create this and what drove them to be this committed? Then I began to appreciate something greater. I realized that when this rooftop was built it was by far the tallest building. In an age long before airplanes or skyscrapers these artists believed each day as they went about their work that no human being or one set of eyes would ever see their creation. How could they not have cut one corner? How could they consider no task routine? I can only think it came from a place deep inside - the need to be true to themselves was their reason and their reward."

"All of this has helped me to understand you just a little better, never needing applause to be your best, only needing to give the best your soul could give to feel complete."

"From the roar of voices inside the lines of center court to the quietness of a child's bedroom that generous soul that unbending strength that soft spoken integrity has not been shaken. The arena of tennis simply gave you a platform and an opportunity to refine those inner qualities even more."

"You have always been about the action not about the words. You have never defined yourself by what you have achieved, rather you have achieved by how you define yourself. And even now, it has taken my breath away to see how you've quietly laid down your racket to pursue love and motherhood with the same zeal and high standards you have always demanded of yourself."

"No, no one has ever known you to be infatuated by your own accomplishments. In fact, as I have often said, anyone who speaks with you will most likely forget the great things you have done within the first thirty seconds, but they will feel cared for, their feelings engaged and you never let go of their heart until they know that they are completely understood."

"The history books will record for posterity your ability to embrace and rise above adversity, to play through injury and to win again, and again and again."

"Far in the future people will analyze and discuss your place as the greatest of your time. And as those future generations hear of your strength and dominance they may be tempted to think that they know you, or the real heart of a giant that beats inside of you. But for those blessed enough to actually see first hand your quiet humility, to watch you represent your sport with unmistakable dignity and for those of us who are even more blessed to be lifted out of ourselves by your laughter, to be on the receiving end of your always generous heart, we will have etched forever in us something a statistic could never contain."

"We have been touched deeply by your life. You have made us better and we will never be the same. Stefanie, you have spent many years of your life competing, but right here we stand in the ears of your children and right now in my heart, you have no rival."

"Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you the greatest person I have ever known."

NIKEGO, NIKE'S YOUTH ACTIVITY INITIATIVE, TO HOST GIRLS TENNIS CLINIC AT LACOSTA RESORT AND SPA

Clinic leads to Acura Classic in Carlsbad
Carlsbad, CA (16 July, 2004) – NikeGO, Nike’s youth activity initiative designed to get America’s youth up and active, is hosting a youth girls tennis clinic at the LaCosta Resort and Spa, July 23, leading into the Acura Classic. The Acura Classic, July 24 – August 1, will feature the world’s top female tennis players including Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Lindsay Davenport and is considered a major tune up event for the U.S. Open.

Professional tennis coaches from Nike will run 100 girls, including many from Girls Incorporated of Orange County, California and the Joe and Mary Mottino Family YMCA of Oceanside, California. The two organizations are the beneficiaries of the event and the participants will have a chance to participate in the clinic for free. Each participant will also receive a NikeGO goodie bag, which will include a t-shirt and Lance Armstrong “Live Strong” wristband.

“NikeGO is committed to encouraging America’s youth to embrace an active lifestyle,” said Celeste Alleyne, Director of Community Relations in Southern California for Nike. “This event is one of more than 100 community programs we run in Southern California.”

The event will take place at 1 p.m. on five of the resort’s courts. Each court will focus on a different aspect of the game.

About NikeGO

NikeGO is Nike's signature U.S. community affairs initiative and the company’s long-term commitment to getting kids more physically active. The program's mission is to increase physical activity in youth ages 8-15, offering them the support and motivation to become physically active, stay healthy and have fun. Nike committed more than $10 million last year in cash and products to get kids moving and targets to increase that amount in the current year through programs such as PE2GO. Visit www.nikego.com for additional information. 

MOYA HONORED AT CROATIA OPEN

In a ceremony on Tuesday, CARLOS MOYA was recognized by the Croatia Open for his outstanding play in Umag over the past 10 years. The four-time winner there was honored on centre court in after Moya’s first round singles match, with both ATP CEO Mark Miles and Croatia Open Tournament Director Slavko Rasberger being present.  The formalities continued on Wednesday for the Spaniard flew to Zagreb with the president of the Republic of Croatia, Stipe Mesic. The president awarded the 27-year-old from Mallorca with the highest award given to a sport personality in recognition of his support (especially during the war in Croatia) during the past ten years. He also had lunch with the Spanish Ambassador at Spain’s Embassy. Moya returned to Umag where he was made an honorary citizen of Umag by the city’s mayor, Floriana Bassanese-Radin. “It is a great honor for me,” Moya said. “I am very pleased that I received this honor in a country that I appreciate so much. I played here for the past ten years, they always welcomed me and treated me so well, so this is a big honor for me.” Miles was glad to be part of the ceremonies. "It’s a significant honor for Carlos Moya, but it is also a great day for the ATP and for tennis,” Miles said. “It was clearly a high honor for Carlos to have the opportunity to be at the palace of the president and to receive this Croatian recognition. We are pleased for our player members and our tournament members, and it proves that International Series tournaments play an important role in the development of the game in many countries and certainly here in Umag.”
 
FISH OUT OF WATER AT SPEEDWAY

While the speed Mardy Fish saw from the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series cars testing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Tuesday was incredible, the size of the 2.5-mile oval racing facility really impressed Fish, who is in Indy for the RCA Tennis Championships. “They told me 400,000, 500,000 people at one track, and that’s ungodly for how many people come and watch,” said Fish. “It’s huge. Words can’t even describe how big it is. You see a car all the way down there at the end of the track on the straightaway and in less five-tenths of a second it’s here. That’s amazing.” The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is home to the Indianapolis 500 in May, the Formula U.S. Grand Prix in June, and in August it plays host to the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup drivers for the Brickyard 400. Among the drivers testing for the Brickyard 400 on Tuesday was Kenny Wallace, who gave Fish a tour of his garage area and his car before taking Fish out onto the track for a lap in a Speedway van. The lap did not approach the 190 miles per hour that the NASCAR drivers will reach during their race, but Fish wouldn’t mind trying those speeds once. “I’d probably have to go to the bathroom afterward,” he said. “I’d love to. It would be great.”
 
TENNIS' NEW "IT" GIRL

She is blond, stunningly beautiful and has a wicked forehand. Maria Sharapova won the hearts of tennis fans around the world with her surprisingly decisive victory over two-time defending champion Serena Williams at Wimbledon. Now it’s Madison Avenue that’s after her heart. “She is poised to be the next big thing, the kind of sports celebrity that comes along once in a decade,” said Michael Berg of Edge Marketing and Management in Charlotte, NC. Makeup, clothing and credit card companies are salivating to sign the 17-year old with the perfect rags-to-riches story who will be in New York next month for the U.S. Open. But the 6-foot tall Sharapova has made it clear she doesn’t want to be just another pretty face. “I never considered myself as a pinup. I never will,” she said after winning Wimbledon. In the end that is what will make her great marketers have said.
--Daily News, Sunday, July 11, 2004.

AGASSI JOINS 800 CLUB

Andre Agassi won the 800th singles match of his career Tuesday night, beating Alex Bogomolov Jr. 6-3, 6-1 in the first round of the Mercedes-Benz Cup at UCLA. The 34-year-old Agassi is just the sixth player to reach 800 on the ATP Tour since the advent of the Open era in 1968, along with Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl, Guillermo Vilas, John McEnroe and Stefan Edberg, who joined the group in September 1996. "That's quite a group of guys to be in there with," said Agassi, whose first win was a 6-4, 6-2 decision over John Austin at La Quinta, Calif., in 1986, when he was 15. "They probably accomplished it in half the time that it took me, but regardless, it feels good. It's special. I don't really think of the 800 wins as they're going along. But any time you sort of accomplish something that only some of the best have done, it's pretty special."
--San Francisco Chronicle, Tuesday, July 13, 2004.

AGASSI'S BUSINESS VENTURES

Andre Agassi is swinging open the doors to a new gym chain. The tennis ace has inked a deal to lend his moniker to 24 Hour Fitness Worldwide for a series of signature gyms, with Agassi Sport Club opening today just outside of Los Angeles. Agassi already has one branded gym in his hometown of Las Vegas, but the L.A. debut marks the first expansion in his 10-year pact with 24 Hour Fitness. Five more Agassi gyms are slated to open before the end of 2005. In a separate deal, Agassi and wife Steffi Graf are also co-founders of a 20,000-square-foot sports, shopping and entertainment complex that will open in New York in January.
--New York Post, Wednesday, July 14, 2004.

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE: SHARAPOVA'S MARKETABILITY ON RISE

Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova's agents "have been fielding calls from literally hundreds of companies that want to sign" her to endorse their products, according to Russell Scott Smith of the N.Y. POST. Sharapova's IMG agent Max Eisenbud said, "Everything has changed now, and any plans we had a couple of weeks ago, we have to re-evaluate." Sharapova will appear in a nine-page photo spread in the August issue of Italian Vogue. Allure fashion dir Sasha Charnin Morrison said, "Everybody loves a winner — and especially a beautiful one. This girl has a grace and elegance we haven't seen in a while. She's stunning" (N.Y. POST, 7/7). In Miami, Michelle Kaufman wrote Sharapova, who counts Nike and Prince among her endorsements, "is expected to add several accounts to her portfolio." Eisenbud, on interest generated by her win over Serena Williams in the Wimbledon finals: "It's been everything you would imagine. Requests for interviews and photo shoots from every tabloid you can think of, magazines, TV shows, calls of congratulations, a million requests for appearances and meetings"
(MIAMI HERALD, 7/5).

JUST A LITTLE PATIENCE

CNNMONEY.com's Chris Isidore does not expect Sharapova "to be all over the airways hawking clothing, consumer products or even tennis equipment any time soon." Any deal she signs "now would probably be at a steep discount to the money she'll be able to command in a few years if she continues to win on the court." A member of Sharapova's business team said that "there were other major companies interested in signing her, even before her success at Wimbledon. She's turned down most of the offers ... to concentrate on her tennis game." Sharapova has a "relatively modest" deal with Nike; a five-year deal reportedly worth $750,000 with Prince; a Japanese deal with NEC; and a deal with Speedminton — a combination of tennis, badminton and racquetball
(CNNMONEY.com, 7/3).

ANNA-PLUS

The WASHINGTON TIMES wrote Sharapova is "a beauty who — unlike Anna Kournikova — turns into a beast on the court." But Sharapova "slipped in under our radar. ... We usually find out about any Certified Protegies fairly early in their careers, well in advance of their first major championship" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 7/6). The Marketing Arm Managing Dir Jeff Chown: "She has great marketing potential. She has the looks of Kournikova, but the game will keep her in the public eye"
(CNNMONEY.com, 7/3).

SHE'S THE ONE

In N.Y., Christopher Clarey wrote Sharapova "dragged women's tennis out of its season-long doldrums and became a star." Martina Navratilova called Sharapova's victory "great for women's tennis. It's the best thing that could have happened to us really" (N.Y. TIMES, 6/5). ESPN tennis analyst Mary Jo Fernandez: "Maria is the best thing that could have happened to women's tennis. Fresh blood, a great personality to add to the mix. She's a great player, great head on her shoulders, plus the photographers and press love her. She's the complete package" (MIAMI HERALD, 7/5). In Ft. Lauderdale, Charles Bricker wrote Sharapova "right now is a more bankable commodity than either of the Williams sisters" (Ft. Lauderdale SUN-SENTINEL, 7/5). In L.A., Diane Pucin wrote the WTA "has been in need of this sort of breakthrough player." WTA Tour CEO Larry Scott: "It's great to see a new star emerge. Maria adds a whole new dimension to the rivalries at the top of the tour"
(L.A. TIMES, 7/4).

MORNING GLORY

Sharapova appeared today on CBS' "The Early Show," and yesterday on "Live with Regis & Kelly" and NBC's "Today." Sharapova is also featured on the cover of this week's Sports Illustrated
(THE DAILY).

KING OF THE COURT

Andre Agassi is nearing the end of his playing days, but marketers remain eager to pay him top dollar. Andre Agassi burst onto the professional tennis scene at age 16 in 1986, sporting long spiky hair and Nike denim shorts. He quickly became known for his passion and ferocity, fearlessly charging the net and smacking down serves speeding toward him at 130mph. Eighteen years later Agassi is bald and 34, and his charges to the net aren't quite as ferocious as they used to be. The world's top players are a decade younger than he is. Since miraculously rising to the number one ranking in the world a year ago, he hasn't won a single tournament; after losing in the opening round of three consecutive events, he has dropped to number nine. Yet off the court, as a celebrity pitchman, Andre Agassi--ranked seventh on Forbes’ list of the 50 highest-paid athletes--has never been hotter. In two decades he has reaped $200 million in endorsement deals. This year sponsors will pay him $28 million, the richest year of his career; only Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan will outearn him. And though he is nearing the end of his career, in the past two years Agassi has landed endorsements from American Express, Aramis, Genworth and KiaMotors. In November his longtime racquet sponsor, Head, signed him to a lifetime deal. In March he signed a ten-year pact with 24-Hour Fitness, which will open five Andre Agassi fitness centers by year-end; the pay starts at $1.5 million a year. "Agassi has tremendous personality and charisma--in a sport that wasn't known for those things," says David Carter, founder of Sports Business Group, a marketing firm in Redondo Beach, Calif. "He can speak to a couple of generations of consumers, which gives him a great platform for deals as his career winds down."
--Forbes, Monday, July 5, 2004, p. 93.

LIVE STRONG

Tom Hanks, Adrien Brody, Brett Ratner, Serena Williams, Ashley Judd and Alexandra Kerry were all spotted at Cannes wearing Mr. Armstrong's Live Strong yellow wristbands. The bands are part of a campaign by the Lance Armstrong Foundation and Nike to raise funds for young cancer victims.
--The Washington Times, Wednesday, May 26, 2004.

KNIGHT'S LASTING IMPACT ON AMERICAN CULTURE

Few people have successfully crossed the chasm from entrepreneur to chief executive of a Fortune 500 company. Few still have generated as much controversy along the way as Philip Hampson Knight. Knight’s attempts to keep a low profile have been in vain - his name is nearly as well recognized as the company he built. “[Knight] is a mythical figure for a lot of people now, but he is down-to-earth and very real,” said Ron Nelson, a Nike executive for more than 20 years. Knight prods the imagination partly because he helped shape a cultural trend: the fitness cult. “When you have that swoosh on, it represents that you are a member of the physical fitness clan,” said Ken Hincker, an educator in Virginia who has written on Nike’s history, advertising and the fitness culture. Curiosity about Knight also stems from Nike’s growth, which has been virtually unstoppable in recent years. In 2003, Nike’s overseas sales surpassed its domestic earnings, underscoring its global command. The Beaverton-based company has also broadened from specializing in men’s footwear to selling equipment and apparel to women and children. Through heedful acquisitions, Nike now encompasses a portfolio of brands, including Nike Bauer Hockey, Cole Haan, Hurley and, most recently, Converse.
--The Portland Business Journal, Friday, May 21, 2004.

THE FASHION & POLITICS OF ORGANIC CLOTHING

More and more the organic label is becoming important to many clothes buyers. These consumers are "concerned about doing something right for the environment," said Matt Hyde, senior vice president for merchandising at REI, the outdoors retail chain based in Kent, Washington. Some fans of organic clothes take the position that whatever chemicals remain in conventional cotton could get through the skin and affect health. The conventional cotton industry disputes that idea. "The processes that a fabric goes through prior to and during dyeing and finishing would remove any traces of crop-protection products," said Phillip Wakelyn, a senior scientist with the National Cotton Council in Washington. For most people, however, the bottom line is how the style looks, so REI treats organic as "a bonus," Hyde said. "It's not the No. 1 selling angle we take." Some customers care a lot and others are mostly interested in something that looks nice, said Jill Vlahos, director of environmental analysis for Patagonia. At the Ventura, Calif.-based outdoors clothing and gear-company, the entire cotton product line is 100 percent organic. Nike began blending small amounts of organic cotton into some clothing in 1998. It now has two organic lines - one 100 percent and the other a blend of organic and conventional fiber. Organic cotton gets about three percent of Nike's overall cotton use, said Jill Zanger, a Nike spokeswoman. According to the Organic Trade Association's survey of manufacturers, the overall organic fiber market, including clothing and home textiles, grew almost 23 percent in 2003, accounting for about $85 million in U.S. sales.
--San Diego Union Tribune, Saturday, May 15, 2004

THE SCIENCE BEHIND NIKE'S OLYMPIC CLOTHING

Many sports manufactures, including Nike, have created fabrics and footwear intended to keep Olympic athletes as cool and dry as possible when they compete in Athens’ sizzling August heat. From lighter colors to fibers that control moisture, the innovations are the result of intensive research on how to help competitors achieve optimal performance in temperatures that average 88 degrees in August - compared with the 64 degrees in Sydney, Australia, where the 2000 Summer Games were held. “We have been looking very carefully at what the conditions are going to be versus the last Olympics, “ said Jordan Wand, global director of Nike’s Advanced Innovation Team. “Athens is going to be very hot and not very humid so there are some differences as it relates to keeping athletes cool and comfortable.” Nike is incorporating a number of its proprietary thermoregulation systems for its Olympic apparel, including Sphere.  Sphere technology that was invented for long-distance runners, helps keep athletes cool through an evaporation system. It was introduced at the 2000 Summer Games and has evolved into new styles, including a singlet that is lightweight and eliminates chaffing through its seamless construction and ventilation. “There are so many components to our technology,” Wand said. “Our research has shown that it’s not about the amount of venting you have, but where it’s placed, and it’s not always an obvious thing.” Wand said Nike has worked closely with teams and leagues, as well as individuals, including five-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, to develop its elite performance apparel.
--WWD Thursday, Thursday, May 13, 2004.

 

SERENA DEDICATES COURT

Serena Williams stopped by the Ashe-Buchholz Tennis Center at Moore Park in Miami on Saturday afternoon to dedicate a court in the memory of Althea Gibson. Nike, which sponsored the event, also donated $50,000 to the park and will pay to refurbish courts at the park where Arthur Ashe often played during trips to Miami. Williams has been rehabilitating her left knee since undergoing surgery last August and will make her comeback at the NASDAQ-100 Open, which begins Wednesday on Key Biscayne. The former world No. 1 had won five of six Grand Slams at the time of her injury and sat atop the rankings for 57 weeks. Williams had a question-and-answer session with neighborhood children and talked to them about the importance of fitness. The children also participated in a free clinic sponsored by Nike.
--The Miami Herald, Sunday, March 21, 2004, p. F1.
To see more about Serena Williams, click here.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton made a special visit to the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy on Tuesday afternoon. President Clinton toured the model charter school, designed to foster innovation and excellence in education, and visited a sixth grade class when the students were discussing a Civil Rights project and conducted an informal question and answer session with the students in the auditorium. "Later in life, you'll be glad that you've worked hard," President Clinton told the students. "Education is vital to your success, and it will help you prepare for the future. Education gives you values and knowledge which, in turn, allows you to make good choices." When asked by a student what it was like to be President, he added: "It's hard work, and you try to make the right decisions for future generations. I enjoyed being the President of the United States, even on the tough days. The key is that you have to find a job that you truly love, that inspires you, and that will make all the difference." Designed to improve educational opportunities in Las Vegas, Agassi Prep currently welcomes socio-economically challenged youth in grades 3-7, with grades K-2 and 8-12 opening through 2008. Located at the corner of 'J' Street and West Lake Mead Boulevard in West Las Vegas, it is situated within a mile of the 25,000-square-foot Boys & Girls Club, built by the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation (AACF) in 1997. To date, the AACF has raised more than $36.1 million for local charities and causes that benefit at-risk children in Nevada.
To see more about Andre Agassi, click here.

HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW

When JAMES BLAKE had his hair cut for a good cause just before he left home in Connecticut for Australia in January, he had no idea it was going to raise over $2,300. After undergoing the razor cut, his famous locks were auctioned on Ebay to raise money for a local girls basketball team in New Haven. The money will be used to fund traveling expenses to tournaments where they will hopefully get picked up by scouts looking to award scholarships. When asked whether Blake had expected his hair to raise so much money, he replied: "I'm amazed! I can't believe people would pay that much money for my hair. I've no idea what they're going to do with it - maybe it's better not to ask. It was a lot of work for three years." So does he miss the hair? "Not at all," he joked. "I get out of the shower and it's already dry, I don't need to worry about it getting in my face, it's awesome. Everyone was always telling me how much they liked it long and I was listening to them. I've got to worry about low maintenance and that's all I care about. It's fun now."
To see more about James Blake, click here.

NIKE PUTS ITS SHOES BACK IN PLAY

Nike is one of those companies that has focused on ways to "close the loop" on a product's life cycle. That is, rather than throwing away old products, they want to use them to make new ones. In Nike's case, it's a process that begins at the end with designers, chemists and others contemplating the fate of an old, worn-out tennis shoe. A shoe just about to be thrown away. "After all they've done for you, don't your well-worn shoes deserve a better end than a landfill?" It started out with a question: What happens to an athletic shoe past its prime? Nike's answer: REUSE-A-SHOE. The company collects non-metal-containing athletic shoes of any brand that are returned due to a material or workmanship flaw; it then separates the three main materials and grinds them up. It's left with three distinct types of Nike Grind material (upper fabric, midsole foam and outsole rubber), each of which is used in a different way to make new sports surfaces. Nike Grind Rubber, from outsoles and manufacturing byproducts, helps make football, baseball and soccer fields, as well as golf products, weight room flooring and running tracks. Nike Grind Foam, from midsoles, is used in synthetic basketball courts, tennis courts and playground surfacing. Nike Grind Fluff, from textile and leather uppers, is used for padding under hardwood basketball floors. Since the Reuse-A-Shoe program began in 1993, Nike has helped donate more than 150 sport surfaces to communities around the world. On average, Nike recycles between 1 and 2 million pairs of athletic shoes each year. Since 1993, more than 15 million pairs of shoes have been processed in its Oregon recycling plant. Nike recently began a partnership with the National Recycling Coalition (NRC) and their community member affiliates; NRC manages the logistics of getting the shoes back from their community, and Nike recycles the shoes. Nike's short-term goal is to have at least one athletic shoe collection center in every state in the continental United States. Product Stewardship is more than recycling, it's sustainability. Programs such as Nike's Reuse-A-Shoe challenges us to reduce the life-cycle environmental effects of products. In doing so, it taps the shared responsibility of business, consumers and governments to become better environmental stewards. So, get those old shoes back in the game. It's easy. Nike and its partners provide you with several options to turn in your old Nikes -- or any other brand of athletic shoes -- to be recycled.
--The Californian, Friday, February 27, 2004.