PORTLAND, Ore. - Octagon, operators of the Ford Gorge Games, announced today that Nike All Conditions Gear signed to a three-year sponsorship as the official apparel and footwear partner of the world's leading adventure sports competition and festival. Under the agreement, Nike ACG will outfit top Ford Gorge Games competitors, as well as NBC & OLN broadcast talent and event staff. The weeklong sport and lifestyle festival returns to the Columbia River Gorge, July 13-21, 2002, with $200,000 in prize money at stake.

"We are honored to sponsor an event that supports so many of the world's top outdoor athletes," says Rob Mitchell, Nike ACG marketing director. "It's a natural fit. Nike built its heritage through the support of elite athletes, and ACG designs innovative product for the wide range of outdoor activities that the Ford Gorge Games promotes."

In addition to the exclusive footwear and apparel partnership, Nike ACG will sponsor the Ford Gorge Games Trail Run, featuring an estimated 400 participants on Sunday, July 14th. The Ford Gorge Games unites a number of the corporate partners that represent the Nike ACG brand, including professional athletes, dedicated outdoor educators and environmental stewards. ACG-sponsored, Team D professionals will compete in the head-to-head and extreme kayaking competitions, Pacific Crest Outward Bound School will host junior and adult outdoor clinics and Leave No Trace will spread the message of responsible outdoor recreation.

"The partnership between the Ford Gorge Games and Nike ACG brings together the leading adventure sports property with the premier outdoor sports brand, " states Rufus Frost, Director of Adventure Sports for Octagon. "We look forward to serving as a valuable vehicle for the Nike ACG brand to meet its marketing objectives."

The Ford Gorge Games, held in Oregon's most diverse outdoor playground, holds added significance to Nike ACG with this spring's launch of the Oregon Series, a line of guide-level outdoor footwear. And with Nike world headquarters located in nearby Beaverton, employees need only drive 70 miles down I-84 to catch all the action in the Gorge.

Competitors at the Ford Gorge Games 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 around the world.

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. Nike ACG joins Ford, BALANCEā Bar, National Geographic Adventure, Camelbak, Outward Bound, Yahoo! and John Paul Mitchell Systems in sponsoring the Gorge Games. 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. 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