Sept. 21, 2011
Under Armour (NYSE:UA), the leading performance apparel and footwear brand, has developed specially designed uniforms for the University of South Carolina, Texas Tech University, and University of South Florida to be featured at select NCAA football games in support of our nation’s Armed Forces. The head-to-toe uniforms are part of the UA Freedom initiative, launched in July 2010 to support our nation’s military and public safety heroes, and Under Armour’s partnership with Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), a non-profit organization that provides programs and services for injured service members and their families.
The designated games, featuring the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, Texas Tech University Red Raiders and University of South Florida Bulls on October 1, November 12, and November 19, respectively, mark the third year Under Armour has created customized head-to-toe uniforms, including gloves and cleats, to benefit WWP. This year, the games will highlight WWP’s latest campaign, entitled Believe in HeroesTM, which began on the tenth anniversary of September 11 and will culminate on November 11, Veteran’s Day. Believe in HeroesTM aims to put the “veteran back in Veteran’s Day” and honor and empower those who have served or are currently serving our country.
In an effort to recognize the sacrifices made by members of our Armed Forces as well as to commemorate the tenth anniversary of September 11, this year’s uniforms will embrace the American spirit by incorporating a custom “USA stars and stripes” head-to-toe design. To further support all veterans, each team will replace their last names on their jerseys with a core value embellishment – Duty, Honor, Courage, Commitment, Integrity, Country, or Service – and will be led on field by selected wounded warrior honorary captains.
“As we continue to reflect on the tenth anniversary of September 11, we recognize the importance of honoring those that lost their lives on that day and the men and women of our Armed Forces that continue to fight for freedom,” said Matt Mirchin, Under Armour Senior Vice President, Sports Marketing. “We are privileged to work with Wounded Warrior Project, South Carolina, Texas Tech, and the University of South Florida to carry on the tradition of these special games and support the Believe in Heroes campaign.”
The custom jerseys will be auctioned-off on each of the Universities’ websites the Monday following each game with a 100% of all proceeds benefiting Believe in HeroesTM. Under Armour school-specific fan gear will also be available at www.ua.com and at campus bookstores, with a portion of the proceeds going to Believe in HeroesTM as well. In addition, a limited number of custom UA Freedom cleats will be available at www.ua.com and select retailers.
“Our nation’s veterans continue to make an impact in all of our lives, and drawing attention to their sacrifices is a cause we are dedicated to each and every day,” said Steve Nardizzi, executive director, Wounded Warrior Project. “We are proud to have the continued support of Under Armour, through the games, uniforms, and donations, to help build awareness and support for our country’s Armed Forces.”
To learn more about how you can join the Believe in HeroesTM effort by purchasing fan gear for each of the teams, UA Freedom apparel or gift an Under Armour-WWP backpack to wounded service member, visit www.ua.com/freedom.
About Under Armour, Inc.
Under Armour® (NYSE: UA) is a leading developer, marketer, and distributor of branded performance apparel, footwear, and accessories. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and worn by athletes at all levels, from youth to professional, on playing fields around the globe. The Under Armour global headquarters is in Baltimore, Maryland, with European headquarters in Amsterdam’s Olympic Stadium, and additional offices in Denver, Hong Kong, Toronto, and Guangzhou, China. For further information, please visit the Company’s website at www.UA.com.
About Wounded Warrior ProjectTM
The mission of Wounded Warrior ProjectTM(WWP) is to honor and empower wounded warriors. The purpose of WWP is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members; to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other; and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
About Believe in HeroesTM
Established as an effort to rally Americans to put the Veteran back in Veterans Day, Believe in HeroesTM is a signature campaign of the Wounded Warrior Project. The two-month initiative running from Sept. 11th through Veterans Day on November 11th creates opportunities for both the American people and corporate America to support our veterans through appreciation events, fundraising initiatives, point-of-purchase proceeds and other opportunities. To get involved and learn more, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
