March 2010 Industry News
Adidas Lacrosse, Level 2 Sports Announce Partnership For Event
Adidas Lacrosse and Level 2 Sports announced a partnership that will present the adidas National Lacrosse Classic at the Maryland Soccerplex July 5-8 in Germantown, Md.
The event will showcase the top 500 high school lacrosse players consisting of rising sophomores, juniors and seniors in a 20-regional team format.
“We see Level 2 Sports as a tremendous strategic partner,” said John Purnell of adidas Lacrosse. “They have a deep love of the game and a great devotion to provide greater access for all underclassmen lacrosse players to the highest level of competition.”
Before players get the chance to compete in the adidas National Lacrosse Classic, regional teams will be designated by high school coaches. These regional qualifiers will decide the 20 teams that will be on display for college coaches and fans in July.
“We feel the timing is right for an individually based tryout process for the high school underclassmen that will help identify the top players in the nation,” said Joel Franklin, Level 2 sports director. “The adidas National Lacrosse Classic will enable more deserving players an affordable opportunity to showcase their skills and athletic ability in a non-exclusive format open to all underclassmen players.”
“The sport of lacrosse is one of the fastest-growing team sports in the country,” Franklin added. “There are hotbeds in certain parts of the country, like Baltimore and Long Island, but it’s growing toward the South and the West.”
Level 2 Sports and adidas Lacrosse have created this showcase event for high school underclassmen typically able to participate in large national competitions.
USA Team Handball Signs On With Salt Lake City As New Home
USA Team Handball (USATH) has signed a long-term lease with SnapSports, the official sports floor provider to the organization, making the USATH the only summer Olympic sport governing body the only one to be located in the state of Utah.
“We are proud to join the U.S. Ski Team and USA Speedskating as Olympic sports that call Utah home,” said General Manager Steve Pastorino. “This expanded partnership with our official floor provider is a critical step forward for USA Team Handball—and will bring a new focus on Summer Olympic sports here.”
During the past year, USATH’s regional coaching staff has built a strong foundation for the sport in the Salt Lake City area, leading educational sessions and practices for thousands of children in more than two dozen area schools.
USATH will continue to serve Utah schools and youth organizations as it marches toward its goal of 100,000 children playing team handball by 2012. The promotion of youth health and physical fitness is one of the federation’s most fundamental goals. “We will take a leadership role within the Olympic movement to create opportunities for our young people to be more active and healthy” said USATH President Brad Krassner. “Kids love to play—and there are virtually no start-up costs for a school or rec center.”
USA Swimming To Host 2010 Mutual Of Omaha Pan Pacific Championships In Irvine, Calif.
USA Swimming will host the 2010 Mutual of Omaha Pan Pacific Championships in Irvine, Calif., Aug. 18-22. This is the first time the United States has hosted an international meet since Short Course world Championships in Indianapolis in 2004.
The event is expected to include Olympians as well as top swimmers from Japan, Australia, Canada, the United States and 20 more countries.
“For nine years, our partners at Mutual of Omaha have sponsored the opportunity for our national team athletes to compete against the world’s top swimming talent,” said Chuck Wielgus, USA Swimming executive director. “We are thrilled that this year we will bring this incredible competition to the United States and give American fans the opportunity to experience world-class swimming in their own backyards.”
The U.S. team for the championships will be selected from performances at the 2010 ConocoPhillips National Championships that will take place in Irvine Aug. 3-7.
Tuscaloosa, Ala., To Host Comcast Downtown Slam 3on3 Basketball Tourney
The Tuscaloosa, Ala., Sports Foundation announced that the Comcast Downtown Slam 3on3 basketball tournament will be held May 15 at the old CityFest lot downtown. The event is a joint venture of the foundation and Connect 3on3 Basketball of Watkinsville, Ga.
Teams consist of up to five players and will play others within their age group to determine a winner. Age groups include elementary boys and girls, junior high boys, junior high girls, high school boys, high school girls, college men, college women, men, and women.
Teams will participate in round robin pool play before moving into the single-elimination championship bracket. Each team will play at least three games.
