Stamford, Conn. (April 17, 2002) - Octagon, operators of the Gorge Games, announced today an alliance that will include Ford as title sponsor of the world's largest adventure sports and lifestyle festival. The Ford Gorge Games will be held in the Columbia River Gorge, July 13-21, 2002.

Competitors will test their skills against the world's best in nine disciplines: Adventure Racing, Climbing, Kayaking, 24-Hour Mountain Bike Racing, Kiteboarding, Outrigger Canoeing, Windsurfing and Trail Running. The event draws more than 40,000 spectators annually and brings over 1,500 athletes from 30 states and 13 countries. The prize money will increase to $200,000, the largest in the event's six-year history. Additionally, participants will be selected and awarded with complimentary Ford SUVs for the year.

"Ford's participation in the Games takes us to a new level," states Rufus Frost, Director of Adventure Sports for Octagon. "We share a complimentary vision to build the property and, as a result, Ford's participation will extend well beyond traditional sponsorship. The alliance will not only deliver marketing results for Ford, but offer athletes, spectators and viewers an unrivaled experience in outdoor adventure sports."

In addition to the world class competitions, the Ford Gorge Games also features a five-day interactive spectator festival, hosted in the Adventure Village. The Village will house films, educational clinics, and exhibitions for the entire family.

"We are very pleased to have Ford come on board as the title sponsor for the Gorge Games on NBC," said Jon Miller, senior vice president, NBC Sports programming. "Ford is the perfect complement to the Gorge Games, the premier outdoor adventure event."

The Ford Gorge Games will air on NBC Sports for two consecutive Sundays, September 1st and 8th, and on Outdoor Life Network (OLN), the Event's new cable partner, scheduling TBD. 2002 sponsors include BALANCE Bar, National Geographic Adventure, Outward Bound, Yahoo! and John Paul Mitchell Systems. For more information visit the Ford Gorge Games website at www.gorgegames.com or call 1-866-GORGE-01.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Staff