Outdoor Retailer, Outdoor Industry Association and adidas Outdoor Announce the Finalists for the 2014 Outdoor Inspiration Awards
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Industry Peers Honor Those Making An Impact in the Outdoor Community
San Juan Capistrano, Calif. –January 17, 2014– Finalists for the fourth annual Outdoor Inspiration Awards were selected today. The Outdoor Inspiration Awards, presented by title sponsor adidas Outdoor, Outdoor Retailer and the Outdoor Industry Association, recognize individuals, groups and companies whose efforts are above and beyond in inspiring others to enjoy, participate in, and support outdoor activities.
The awards will be presented during Outdoor Retailer Winter Market at the Salt Palace Convention Center on Thursday, January 23, 2014 in MR 250 from 6:00 pm -8:00 pm. The event is free to attend; cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Other sponsors include The Boy Scouts of America and Litle & Co.
“Paying tribute to those that bring others into our community is critical to its future,” said Larry Harrison, director of sales for adidas Outdoor USA “The industry is filled with moving stories about individuals and groups that impart the benefits of spending time outdoors. These finalists set an example for all of us to follow if we want our category to grow. We applaud their spirit and determination.”
Company Finalists:
Grassroots Outdoor Alliance
Timbuk2
United by Blue
Group Finalists:
Himalayan Stove Project
Kids in Training, Inc.
NOLS: Expedition Denali
Individual Finalists:
Midy Aponte — Executive Director of the American Latino Heritage Fund
John Long – Avid climber, explorer and author of 96 books
Timmy O’Neill — World renowned climber and philanthropist
Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient:
Jeff Lowe
“Jeff Lowe is not only a pioneer of the modern climbing movement, but also, an innovator who brought competitive climbing to the U.S.A, whose vision was so powerful many credit him for ushering in a new era of international cooperation and shared climbing standards,” said Kenji Haroutunian, Emerald Expo Outdoor group vice president and OR show director. “His design influence in gear was noteworthy with Lowe Alpine, Latok and other companies. Today, he is one of the true adventurous spirits and one of no regrets.”
Lowe’s latest project, the film ‘Metanoia’, breaks new ground in connecting the climbing mindset with the human condition. The Inspirations Awards will feature a live auction of Lowe memorabilia, including signed copies of his book.
For further information: Outdoor Retailer Director of Public Relations, Kate Lowery, at 949.226.5779 or kate.lowery@emeraldexpo.com.
About adidas Outdoor
adidas Outdoor is the athletic brand in the outdoors. The company’s founder, Adi Dassler, designed equipment solutions for athletes that improved their performance. The long history of adidas Outdoor began in the 1970s with the creation of the first light trekking shoes. Climbing legend Reinhold Messner helped adidas design super light and fast approach hiking shoes for his first Everest ascent without supplemental oxygen in 1980. The tradition continues today with products influenced by Messner, as well as notable extreme outdoor adventurers from around the world.
About Outdoor Retailer
Outdoor Retailer (OR) brings together retailers, manufacturers, industry advocates and media to conduct the business of outdoor recreation through tradeshows, product demo events and web-based business solutions. Produced by Emerald Expositions and based in San Juan Capistrano, California, Outdoor Retailer also provides and promotes retailer education, advocacy, responsibility and critical face-to-face business initiatives within the outdoor industry.
Consistently named among Trade Show News Network’s 25 fastest-growing tradeshows by attendance, Outdoor Retailer (www.outdoorretailer.com) connects approximately 50,000 attendees on a semi-annual basis for its Summer and Winter Market shows, and thousands more through its year-round online resources and platforms.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Kate Blom-Lowery
Outdoor Retailer
Director of Public Relations
949-226-5779
kate.lowery@emeraldexpo.com
Kristen Bujold
adidas Outdoor
781-639-4924, Ext. 115
