NIKE INTRODUCES 2010 NATIONAL TEAM KITS DESIGNED FOR INCREASED PERFORMANCE WITH LOWER ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Many of the world's leading players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Robinho and Ji-Sung Park will take to the pitch in South Africa this summer wearing the most environmentally-friendly and technologically-advanced kit in football's history. For the first time, all of Nike’s national teams, including Brazil, Portugal and The Netherlands, will be wearing jerseys made entirely from recycled polyester, each one produced from up to eight recycled plastic bottles. Nike unveiled the new national team kits with several footballers at a global media event at Battersea Power Station in London.

“This summer in South Africa Nike will give footballers an edge by providing the newest and most innovative product for the game’s greatest players,” said Charlie Denson, President, Nike Brand. “With today’s announcement, we are equipping athletes with newly designed uniforms that not only look great and deliver performance benefits, but are also made with recycled materials, creating less impact on our environment.”

To make the 2010 national team kits, Nike’s fabric suppliers sourced discarded plastic bottles from Japanese and Taiwanese landfill sites and then melted them down to produce new yarn that was ultimately converted to fabric for the jerseys.

This process saves raw materials and reduces energy consumption by up to 30 percent compared to manufacturing virgin polyester. By using recycled polyester for its new range of national jerseys, Nike prevented nearly 13 million plastic bottles, totaling nearly 254,000 kg of polyester waste, from going into landfill sites. This amount would be enough to cover more than 29 football pitches. If the recycled bottles used to make the jerseys were laid end-to-end they would cover more than 3,000 kilometres, which is more than the entire coastline of South Africa.

The national team kits represent an important step in the process to make all Nike products more sustainable.

In addition, all the national team kits have been designed with each country’s national culture and identity in mind. Nike understands the pride athletes experience playing for their country so each kit has been designed to represent the heritage and unique football culture of the nine national teams.

Kit Innovations

Considering the environment doesn’t mean sacrificing the innovative performance elements of Nike’s kits. For this summer’s finals, the kits have been designed to keep players drier, cooler and more comfortable, allowing them to maintain an optimum body temperature and perform at their best on the pitch.

Improved Nike Dri-Fit fabric, now 15 percent lighter than previous Nike kit fabrications, helps keep players dry by drawing sweat to the outside of the garment where it evaporates. Ventilation zones have been placed on each side of the jersey to enhance breathability, and are combined with a fabric that increases air flow by up to seven percent compared to previous kits. Air can now pass across a player’s whole torso, keeping him cooler. These ventilation zones consist of up to 200 tiny laser cut holes which are backed by Nike’s innovative halo application. This treatment prevents ripping without reducing air flow.

The Nike kit shorts also have additional ventilation zones placed below the waistband and near the base of the spine, so this area prone to high sweat levels will now be significantly drier.

The jersey’s new double knit structure not only gives it a sleeker appearance, while offering 10 percent more stretch than the last Nike national team kit jerseys , but also boasts a new dynamic fit cut to follow the natural contours of the body while still allowing for maximum airflow and movement.

Players will also incorporate the unique benefits of Nike Pro Combat into their respective national team kits. Featuring an engineered system of dress, Pro Combat includes Slider and Impact shorts for added protection against light impact and abrasion along with a therma Mock that protects players’ necks against harsh conditions.

The teams wearing Nike’s new national team jerseys in South Africa are: Brazil, The Netherlands, Portugal, USA, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Serbia, and Slovenia.

The team kits for Brazil, The Netherlands, South Korea, Australia and Portugal are available in Singapore. Each kit retails at SG $99 and is available at Nike Wisma, on nike.com and nikefootball.com.

Train like the Brazilians

NIKE LAUNCHES MERCURIAL VAPOR SUPERFLY II, DELIVERING GREATER SPEED AND EXCLUSIVE INSIDER ACCESS TO THE WORLD’S TOP PLAYERS

At a global media event featuring footballer Cristiano Ronaldo in London, NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) today unveiled the Mercurial Vapor SuperFly II, a lightweight boot featuring a new, unique adaptive traction system designed for explosive acceleration. The Mercurial Vapor SuperFly II features a reengineered upper for enhanced fit and ball control for fast feet while the vibrant ultra-violet color boosts visibility on the pitch.

“NIKE, Inc. is the world’s largest and most innovative football company,” said Mark Parker, NIKE, Inc.’s President & CEO. “Our success in the world’s most popular sport is based on creating innovative products and experiences such as the new, incredibly light and responsive Mercurial SuperFly II boot and Nike Football+ which connects the digital and physical worlds of football. These are among Nike’s most advanced products to date and will help write the next chapter for Nike football.”

Traction on demand

In developing NIKE SENSE adaptive traction technology, designers created an adaptive stud that can extend and retract by up to 3mm, based on ground conditions and pressure exerted by the player. Directionally positioned blades maximize cutting and allow for quick changes of direction, while secondary toe traction provides added toe-off power for those first critical steps. The result is a boot that enables greater speed in all directions.

Nike’s design and engineering teams talked with some of the fastest players in the world, who emphasized that acceleration around a defender is just as important as beating him in a straight line. The Nike Sports Research Lab researched the world championship finals in 2006 and found that there were 845 slipping events over 63 games, or roughly 14 per game. Building on these insights, the Nike team collaborated closely with elite athletes including Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alexandre Pato to create a boot that enables toe-off acceleration and minimizes slippage in game-changing situations.

“For me, it’s all about first-step acceleration, but twisting and turning around a defender is also important,” Cristiano Ronaldo said. “The Mercurial Vapor Superfly II helps me do both, so I can beat my opponent and create scoring opportunities.”

Athlete insights also pointed to the desire for a close fit around the foot without compromising on durability or support. Next-generation Nike Flywire technology incorporated into the boot’s streamlined upper provides a lightweight, strong and more dynamic fit. The carbon composite tuned chassis provides a lightweight platform with traction elements and allows players to stay closer to the ground.

Access to the elite through Nike Football+

The Mercurial Vapor SuperFly II also gives consumers unprecedented access to the training insights of the world’s top players, teams and coaches through Nike Football+. Each pair of boots comes with a unique user code that can be used to unlock trade secrets from inside the game and the next installment of Nike Football+, Master Speed training content on NikeFootball.com.

The Nike Football + Master Speed program provides exclusive access to Brazil national team stars Robinho, Fabiano and Nilmar, putting the power of speed directly into footballers’ hands and their game daypreparation. Four camps are available:

• A Pelada – Learn high-speed ways to practice fast, competitive Brazilian football.
• O Brasilerao – Meet the coaches and players of Brazil’s premier club, Corinthians. Experience four authentic drills with top club coaches.
• Na Gringa – Only the best Brazilians go to Europe. Get the inside track on the real difference between the continental games from the superstars who experience it – and apply it to your own game.
• A Selecao –Enter the top secret world of the Brazil National Team’s training hideaway in the mountains, Granja Comery. Experience squad drills and 3-man exercises with a top CBF coach.

Building on the Master Speed program, “Inside the Elite” is a new feature offering exclusive inside access to players. Athletes including Robinho, Javier Mascherano and Zlatan Ibrahimovic offer candid insights on their game and match preparation.

In addition to these Nike Football+ Master Speed programs, footballers will have access to country-specific Nike Football+ activities like training sessions, trial events and player appearances. Nike Football+ is also available as an app for the iPhone and iPod Touch on iTunes®.

The Mercurial Vapor SuperFly II boot is available at retail globally and at www.nikestore.com from April 1^st 2010. Here in Singapore, the boot will retail at $629. Nike Football+ can be accessed at www.nikesoccer.com.

London, UK (March 9, 2010) Three leading European football leagues will turn (RED)™ this weekend as Nike introduces a special edition (PRODUCT)^RED™ ball in the leagues’ home fixtures to raise awareness of the (NIKE) ^RED ‘Lace Up. Save Lives’ partnership.

In a unified show of support for the global initiative, Barclays Premier League, Spain’s La Liga and Italy’s Serie A will use a (NIKE)^RED ball at all home games over the weekend of March 13^th and 14^th.

The Nike and (RED) partnership invites people to ‘Lace Up. Save Lives’ by purchasing a pair of (NIKE)^RED laces. One hundred percent of the profits from (NIKE)^RED laces is split equally between The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which funds AIDS programs that provide medicine, treatment and services for those living with HIV, and football-based community initiatives that deliver education and understanding around HIV/AIDS prevention.

The (NIKE)^RED ball is a specially designed T90 Ascente – the same make of ball currently used by all three leagues and boasts all of the technological innovations that the players are accustomed to week in week out, but features the (RED) laces graphic on the exterior.

Richard Scudamore, Chief Executive of the Premier League, said: “The Premier League has enormous global appeal and we are committed to using our reach to raise awareness of this partnership between, Nike, one of our longest serving commercial partners, and (RED). A red ball and red laces are simple ideas, but sometimes those are the best – the hope is that the profile given through this and the money raised through ‘Lace Up, Save Lives’ will provide significant impetus and funding to the Global Fund’s activities to aid the prevention of HIV/AIDS in Africa.”

Susan Smith Ellis, CEO of (RED) says: “Having three of the world’s Premier football leagues is a force multiplier for NIKE AND (RED). It raises awareness. It expands our reach. Most important, it benefits those who suffer from AIDS in Africa. We could not be more pleased.”

“Nike has a history of elevating global causes through sport. Through the power and appeal of football, this campaign not only highlights the HIV/AIDS issue globally, it has also created a great way to raise much needed funds,” said Mark Parker, President & CEO of NIKE, Inc.

On November 30^th, 2009, the eve of World AIDS Day, Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal), Denilson (Arsenal), Marco Materazzi (Inter Milan), Lucas Neill (Galatasaray), Clint Dempsey (Fulham) and Seol Ki-Hyeon (Fulham) joined U2 front man Bono and Mark Parker at Niketown London to announce the partnership.

The (NIKE)^RED Limited Edition Ascente Ball will be available in Singapore for SGD$179.00 and 2010 (NIKE)^RED Limited Edition Brasil N98 Track Jackets will also be at SGD$179.00 and both will be sold globally from March. (NIKE)^RED products are also now being sold at retail. (NIKE)^RED laces are available now at Nike Wisma.

John Wilkinson shares his thoughts on the (RED) campaign, settling down in Singapore with a family and his love for the game.

Nike (RED) Campaign

Hi John, thanks for being here with us today. To start off, how do you feel about being a Nike (RED) campaign ambassador?

I feel honoured to be part of the Nike (RED) campaign, and hope to bring a greater understanding of HIV/ AIDS to Singapore, especially the youth here.

How can football help in spreading the message?

Football is a global game – being played, watched, and talked about in almost every country – the perfect vehicle to promote this campaign.

How does it feel wearing the (RED) laces? Will you be wearing them for the current S-League season?

I feel a strong sense of responsibility being one of the Nike (RED) ambassadors, having worn the red laces for a while now. I think they look cool and will definitely be wearing them as often as I can, and not just for the S-league games.

Personal Life

How did you first get into the game?

Like most of the boys growing up in England, I was thrown a football as soon as I could walk and haven't stopping kicking it nearly thirty years on. Growing up, there was never any doubt in my mind what I wanted do, and everything else had to take a back seat.

What made you decide to do this as a career, and what challenges have you faced along the way?

Wanting to be a professional player and being one are two different things. There are literally thousands of lads to compete with, so if you get a serious injury (which was what happened to me) there is always someone to take your place. At the end of the day, mental strength is the most important asset to an athlete.

How do you feel you’ve contributed to football here?

It's been a successful three years in the national team and I've really enjoyed playing in the big games. I would like to think that I've added strength, flexibility and energy into the side.

What is the best and worst thing about being a professional football player?

Worst thing – Crappy pitches.

Best thing – I have the best job in the world.

What have you grown to love about Singapore and what do you miss about England?

Singapore's my home now. I have chosen to build my base and family here. But I have also left behind my mother and sisters in England, and missed the growing up of my seven nieces and nephews.

What do you do during your free time?

When I'm not with my daughters, I like to paint. It's a form of escapism for me, and allows me to express my creativity.

So what’s the secret to keeping yourself fit enough to last the long season?

Everyone's physique is different. One thing I've learned recently about my body is that I feel much lighter and fresher if I always keep it in a state of activity. I try to never have two days of complete rest in a row. Even if it’s a day off, I will do something to get my heart rate up – be it tennis, swimming, Pilates, or even just chasing my elder daughter around.

Name some essential items you have in your training bag.

I always have a pair of Nike Cushioned Comfort Crew Socks to keep the blisters at bay, and a pair of Nike Base layer shorts to wear under my match/training shorts. They help keep me in order. There are also other items such as a pair of shades and toiletries.

With the World Cup coming, who would you like to see in the finals and why?

I can't wait until the World Cup is upon us. It's going to be amazing to see if England will lift the World Cup again after so long.

If Singapore doesn’t get to broadcast the games here, what will you do to get your football fix?

I hope that FIFA and the powers that be can sort out the viewing rights here. Otherwise, I guess I'll have to try and watch it on the internet.

NIKE AND (RED)™ UNITE TO LEVERAGE THE POWER OF SPORT TO FIGHT HIV/AIDS IN AFRICA

Leading footballers join forces to announce a partnership designed to get people to “Lace Up. Save Lives”

Singapore (December 1st, 2009) – On the day before World Aids Day, some of the world’s best footballers joined Bono at the announcement of a partnership between NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) and (RED).

Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Andrei Arshavin (Arsenal), Marco Materazzi (Inter Milan), Denilson (Arsenal), Lucas Neill (Everton), Clint Dempsey (Fulham) and Seol Ki-Hyeon (Fulham), came together in London yesterday to announce a partnership between NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) and (RED).

This unique partnership delivers a two-pronged approach to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa by delivering funds to support programs that offer education and medication on the ground and will harness the power of sport to engage youth around the world in the fight against AIDS in Africa.

In making the partnership announcement, Mark Parker, President and CEO of Nike Inc., Susan Smith Ellis, CEO, (RED) and Professor Michel D. Kazatchkine Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS , Tuberculosis and Malaria were joined by footballers from around the world and U2 vocalist and (RED) co-founder Bono, to emphasize the need for global action and participation to eliminate AIDS in Africa.

"The fight against AIDS in Africa needs great brands to drive awareness and engagement,” said Susan Smith Ellis, CEO, (RED). “Nike is the right partner to connect education with sport, and in so doing help drive social change, prevention and understanding of HIV/AIDS. We are thrilled to have them with us."

Nike has a proven history of elevating global causes to create consumer awareness and participation. “As a global brand and creative company, Nike can play a role in amplifying this important issue,” said Mark Parker, President and CEO of Nike Inc. “With football as the catalyst, Nike is joining the (RED) movement to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.”

The Nike and (RED) concept is a simple one that invites people to “Lace Up. Save Lives” by purchasing a pair of NIKE (PRODUCT)^RED™ laces. One hundred percent of the profits from (NIKE)^RED laces will be split equally between The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which funds AIDS programs that provide medicine for those living with HIV, and Nike football-based community initiatives that deliver education and understanding around HIV/AIDS prevention. This unique partnership delivers programs that both medicate and educate.

Progress has been made in the drive to reduce HIV infections in Africa, with fourteen countries reporting a decline in the prevalence of the disease. This is great news and proves the fight can be won. But AIDS remains one of the greatest challenges facing the world today. An estimated 3,800 men, women and children die in sub-Saharan Africa every day, in addition to 6,000 new infections every day among 15-24 year old men and women.

“The (RED) Nike laces can tie athletes around the world together with people living under threat from HIV in Africa in a beautiful way,” said Professor Michel D. Kazatchkine, Executive Director of the Global Fund. “Wearing these (RED) laces is a sign that you care about others – and it helps us to protect and treat millions of people who every day risk infection or struggle with the effects of HIV.”

“(RED) has created a sustainable way to engage business in funding the fight against AIDS in Africa on a grand scale. Its partnerships not only deliver funds to buy medicine to keep people alive but also provides the leverage needed for us to demonstrate to the public sector that this partnership works and to garner additional support,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Minister of Health of Ethiopia and Chairman of the Board of Directors, The Global Fund. “The addition of Nike to the (RED) initiative will only strengthen this impact as it will help us take this message to millions of football fans around the world and engage them in this issue through their passion for sport.”

(Nike)^RED laces will be available December 1^st at Nike Store locations and key retailers worldwide. Here in Singapore, the laces can be purchased at the Nike Flagship Store in Wisma Atria at SGD$7.00 per pair. Additional (NIKE) ^RED products will be introduced in the coming months.

To show their support for this meaningful cause, national football players Precious Emuejeraye, John Wilkinson, Hariss Harun and Indra Sahdan will also lace up in support of the campaign.

NIKE ELITE LIVE TRAINING SESSION PUTS THE TOTAL90 LASER III BOOTS AND JUVENTUS FC TRAINING PROGRAMME TO THE TEST

NIKE ELITE LIVE TRAINING SESSION PUTS THE TOTAL90 LASER III BOOTS AND JUVENTUS FC TRAINING PROGRAMME TO THE TEST


Singapore (March 3, 2010) – Around 100 youths from various schools and clubs all over Singapore attended the Nike Elite Live Training session held at Tampines SAFRA last Saturday.

The scorching heat did little to sap their enthusiasm as they excitedly trialled the Total90 Laser III football boots, engaging in interactive video-based tips and drills developed by Nike’s elite football players and coaches.

Led by former national team captain Nazri Nasir, young football lovers who were aiming to improve their shooting and technique took part in the Master Accuracy training drills, conceived specially for T90 boot users by Italian football giants Juventus FC. These skills were put to the test afterwards as they attempted a series of dribbling and shooting drills as part of the Torres Challenge.

The challenge is part of the unique Nike Football+ digital experience that users of the T90 boots can enjoy. Every pair of boots comes with a unique user code that provides online access to Nike Football+, a digital coaching programme featuring a detailed ‘signature move’ from Fernando Torres of Liverpool FC, as well as expert tuition provided by the coaching team from Juventus FC.

“The digital Nike Football+ coaching programme has given young budding football players in Singapore the benefit of learning from the top coaches and players around the world. The kids had a great time trying the drills out and I think it’s good that Nike has given them the chance to learn from the best in the game,” said coach Nazri Nasir.

Participants also saw this as a chance to lace up the Total90 Laser III boots, and discover for themselves the technology behind them. 17 year-old student Muhammad Salam found his Total90 boots more comfortable than what he’s worn before. “What I’ve always liked about Nike’s boots is that they fit me well and help me to improve my game,” he said after his training session.

“It was a great experience for me to try the drills from Juventus and Torres, and this training has inspired me to train harder to bring my game to the next level!” he added.

The Nike Football+ digital coaching program can be accessed at www.nikefootball.com. The Nike Football+ training package provides exclusive access to the world’s elite teams, allowing players to enhance their level of play and better equip them for game day preparation.

The Total90 Laser III boot is now available at the Nike stores for S$319.

Sat friendly (6 mar)

This sat friendly, who on? timing to be confirmed, reply under the comments section below pls...thanz