THE PORTLAND BUSINESS JOURNAL – MAY 4, 2006
Nike on Thursday announced a partnership with the Iroquois Nationals Lacrosse organization.
Nike Inc. is expanding its lacrosse business by providing the Iroquois Nationals with footwear and apparel, including team uniforms, warmups and casual sports apparel. The new uniforms will debut this summer when the Iroquois Nationals are expected to compete in the 2006 World Lacrosse Championships in London, Ontario.
The Iroquois Nationals today are the only native nation worldwide participating in international sports competition, meaning that the Iroquois Nationals will compete for the world title alongside the United States, Canada and other qualifying countries at this summer’s World Lacrosse Championships.
Nike said the partnership reinforces Beaverton-area-based Nike’s (NYSE: NKE) commitment to Native Americans and to the sport of lacrosse. Through the company’s Native American Business Program, Nike has encouraged physical activity on Native American lands and other Native American communities and has worked closely with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Services to establish and manage fitness-oriented programs.
Historically, the game of lacrosse may be one of the oldest team sports in the world, and the roots of modern day lacrosse can be traced back to the Iroquois.
Nike currently supports 18 collegiate lacrosse programs and manufactures and distributes a complete line of lacrosse products for men and women, including competition and training specific products.
In addition, as a component of the partnership, the Iroquois Nationals will participate in extensive research and design studies intended to further develop Nike’s lineup of training and competition footwear and apparel for the sport of lacrosse.