LONDON, Ont. - The Western Mustangs are pleased to announce a partnership with adidas Canada. The partnership agreement positions adidas as the official outfitter of the Mustangs.
This unique partnership showcases adidas Canada's dedication and commitment to amateur and varsity athletics, says Steve Ralph, president of adidas Canada.
"We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with such a prestigious educational institution," Ralph said. "Western has had a sterling past in athletic competition and we know that the student-athletes at Western will wear our brand with honour and integrity."
Most of Western Mustangs teams will be outfitted in adidas gear for the 2009-10 season including the men's and women's basketball, volleyball, soccer, rugby and hockey teams. The multi-year agreement with adidas allows them to be the official Mustangs apparel supplier.
"The adidas product line is extensive and their team uniform program is operating under new direction that should prove to be a benefit for all of our programs," said Therese Quigley, Director of Sports and Recreation Services at Western. "This agreement provides our teams and student-athletes with a great opportunity to take complete advantage of worldwide leader in the sport apparel and shoe industry."
Benefits of the agreement include reduced price on apparel for Western teams, promotional items for giveaway, some complimentary coaching apparel and a rebate based on the total volume of sales.
The department will also receive a limited number of items to be used for promotional purposes. Adidas worked with Western to get a purple line of clothing products.
"We made arrangements for an athlete's package that will include a purple climalite jacket, t-shirt, shorts and a backpack," Quigley said.
According to Ralph, adidas Canada anticipates this strategic partnership will lead to greater visibility for the adidas brand, and bring Western student-athletes "one step closer to achieving their own impossible."
About adidas
adidas has a clear mission - to be the leading sports brand in the world. To accomplish this mission, the brand comprises two divisions that reflect two distinct market segments: Sport Performance and Sport Style. Product and marketing initiatives at adidas primarily focus on five global priorities: football, running, training, basketball and Originals. The adidas brand attitude "Impossible is Nothing" drives all brand communication initiatives and helps strengthen the brand's bond with consumers. With a well-defined and segmented distribution approach and a premium-price strategy, adidas clearly positions itself as a top-notch brand in all markets.
About The University of Western Ontario
Founded in 1878, The University of Western Ontario is one of Canada's oldest universities with an athletic program in its 95th year of interuniversity competition. It is committed to its mission of providing the best student experience among Canada's leading research-intensive universities. A vibrant centre of learning, Western is home to approximately 3,500 full-time faculty and staff members and approximately 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Through its 12 Faculties, and three affiliated Colleges, the University offers more than 400 different majors, minors and specializations. Research is an integral part of the University's mission and external support for research projects exceeds $200 million per year. Western is located on 155 hectares of land along the banks of the Thames River in London, Ontario - a thriving city of 432,451 people, 200 kilometers west of Toronto.
