USA Diving Announces Apparel Partnership With LI-NING Through 2012

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, August 30. USA Diving has signed LI-NING as its official apparel sponsor through 2012, the USA Diving Board of Directors has announced.

The sponsorship, which was unanimously approved by the board, will provide a full outfitting package to USA Diving national teams and will offer an additional cash component to be used to support USA Diving programs.

"After a year-long search, we are proud to announce this new partnership, which is an incredibly positive opportunity for USA Diving and our athletes," said Bob Rydze, chairman of USA Diving's board of directors. "We are honored to work with LI-NING."

Founded in 1990 by six-time Olympic medalist Li Ning, the Beijing-based sportswear company boasted nearly $1 billion in sales in 2008 and has built an increasing international presence through sponsorships of several international athletes and teams.

"Diving is one of the key attractions and competitions at the Olympic Games. It attracts broad public attention and is a fan favorite in both China and the United States. USA Diving represents an elite and prestigious image in the Olympic world. By forging this partnership, we will be able to further energize our lifestyle line and better reach our target consumers in both U.S. and China through strong brand association and exposure with USA Diving events," said Fang Shi Wei, the CMO of Li Ning Group. "This is a remarkable moment for us to lead a change, and we are so honored to partner with USA Diving. We are very committed to providing top-notch service to the team and athletes along their journey to London."

As the winner of six medals, including three gold, in gymnastics at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Li remains one of the most decorated Olympic athletes of all time. He was selected to light the cauldron during the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

"Watching Li Ning light the cauldron at the opening ceremonies in Beijing is something I'll never forget, and now to have his company as a sponsor of
USA Diving is really exciting," said three-time Olympian and USA Diving board member Laura Wilkinson, a 2000 Olympic gold medalist. "LI-NING apparel is becoming increasingly more popular worldwide."

LI-NING also sponsors the USA table tennis team; Spain's and Argentina's national basketball teams; the Chinese diving, gymnastics, badminton and table tennis teams, as well as several NBA players, including Baron Davis and Shaquille O'Neal and the new signing of No.2 NBA Draft pick player, Evan Turner. LI-NING was also the title sponsor of the 2010 FINA Diving World Series.

For USA Diving, LI-NING joins AT&T, Choice Hotels, Colorado Time Systems and Sport Graphics as significant sponsors of the organization.

The above article is a press release submitted to Swimming World Magazine. It has been posted in its entirety without editing. Swimming World offers all outlets the chance to reach our audience by contacting us at Newsmaster@swimmingworldmagazine.com. However, Swimming World reserves the right to choose what material is posted.

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