adidas rekindles US-China women's soccer rivalry

Herzogenaurach/Amsterdam, September 10, 2003 - Official FIFA Women's World Cup sponsor adidas and Amsterdam agency 180/TBWA bring the pre-eminent global rivalry in women's soccer center-stage in a new 60 and 30 second commercial. The new spot celebrates the expected fierce competition from all countries in the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup USA 2003. Featuring the US and Chinese teams, it showcases the countries preparing for yet another quest for the trophy. China knows they need to bring a challenge to the US, the current World Champions, who are more than ready to meet them in actual competition.

The story is told from the American players' perspective. It opens with Aly Wagner sleeping at the US training camp. She hears a loud, rhythmic thumping noise. She goes outside and sees an large group of Chinese players doing their drills, a mixture of wu-shu, tai chi and soccer moves which pay tribute to the beauty of women's soccer. Aggravated by the taunt, Aly goes back inside to wake up the rest of her team. In anticipation of defending their championship on home turf, the Americans rush outside to see what is going on.

At this stage the commercial captures the subtleties of each culture - on the one hand you have the Chinese, who are very uniform and regimented, and on the other hand there are the US girls with their individuality and unique personalities.

As the story continues, the tension between Sun Wen and Aly Wagner grows. Sun Wen, performs a solo act of soccer moves and rolls the ball over to Aly, challenging her. Aly looks back in a very confident, determined manner, ready to take on her challenge.

This is a 'to be continued' moment, that sets up the stage for what is to come during the tournament.

The commercial will run in both China and the United States from September 10 and 20 respectively through to the FIFA Women's World Cup 2003 final on October 12.

adidas Builds Excitement Around FIFA Women's World Cup USA 2003

adidas introduces new sports technology, innovative promotions, and a continued commitment to women's soccer

Portland, OR, September 11, 2003 - As official sponsor, official licensed product and official supplier of the FIFA Women's World Cup USA 2003, adidas has begun to build excitement around the tournament's events, teams and athletes. Through a series of product innovations, on-site promotions, and creative national advertising, adidas will demonstrate its commitment to women's soccer during the FIFA Women's World Cup USA 2003. Matches begin with 16 teams on September 20, 2003 in Philadelphia, PA and conclude with one winner on October 12 in Los Angeles, CA.

Athlete/Team support

adidas supports more sports, athletes and events than any other brand, and is once again the official sponsor of the FIFA Women's World Cup, as well as the licensed supplier of the official match ball. adidas partners with many of the major soccer federations, including China, Canada, Germany, France, Argentina, Australia and Japan, and sponsors more than half of the U.S. women's team's starting line-up. A few of the adidas-sponsored athletes to watch include: Kristine Lilly, Shannon MacMillan, Aly Wagner, and China's team captain, Sun Wen.

Equipment/Apparel

Demanding athletes have always relied on adidas technology to enhance performance. This year, the FIFA Women's World Cup will showcase adidas soccer products designed specifically for women. This World Cup will also show the depth of adidas soccer performance products. The Women's World Cup 39 referees will be wearing adidas' top ranked turf and stud soccer shoes, the Supernova. adidas is also outfitting 4,000 volunteers off the field and approximately 2500 volunteers on the field in both apparel and footwear.

The Nova-Kit, a further development of adidas's groundbreaking Dynamic Layering Concept which was introduced last year, is what will appear on the fields of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2003 USA. adidas Federations: China, Germany, Japan, France, Argentina, Australia and Canada will all compete in the Nova-kit. The uniform layer takes into account the body's sweat zones providing moisture management and ventilation where it is most needed. The unique dual layer system creates dynamic ventilation keeping the athlete cool, dry and comfortable. 3D access and exit vents are integrated throughout the entire lightweight garment. The Women's Nova jersey retails for US$60.
Building on the technological innovation behind the most popular soccer shoe in the world, The Predator, adidas has also pioneered the research and design of a soccer boot made specifically for women, the Predator Hysteria. adidas built a special color (white, red, and blue) for its stars of the US team for the 2003 Women's World Cup. More than half of the US team's lineup will wear the shoe that launched to retail in June 2003. The original Predator Hysteria launched in Fall 2002. The re-engineered and strategically placed Predator® technology provides even more power, pivot and ball control in wet or dry conditions. The minimized split outsole construction makes them lightweight for optimal flexibility. adidas moved the anatomically shaped heel counter outside the shoe for more comfort and stability. The Predator Hysteria TRX FG sells for US$140.
For the 2003 Women's World Cup, adidas has also developed a new edition of the adidas Fevernova ball. Like the original adidas Fevernova, which was the 2002 FIFA World Cup ball, this special ball is the most accurate and fastest ball that adidas has ever produced. The 2003 Women's World Cup Fevernova features red, white, blue, and gold colors, inspired by the Asian-based 2003 FIFA tournaments, and complements the colors of the 2003 USA Women's World Cup tournament.

Innovative Promotion

Through creative promotions, adidas remains focused on keeping the brand relevant and inspiring for consumers. This year, adidas is reaching out to Women's World Cup fans through several non-traditional and innovative channels.

In advance of the first matches, adidas will launch a Women's World Cup web site, bringing a behind-the-scenes experience to fans around the world. In addition to a U.S. team member daily online diary, the site will also feature athlete biographies, team information, schedules, a tournament overview and more information about adidas's involvement in soccer across the nation and around the world. The site, dedicated to women's soccer and the FIFA Women's World Cup will feature athlete interviews, behind the scenes footage from the filming of the Women's World Cup TV commercial, as well as the chance to win some great new product and even a free clinic with one of the top US stars. This content rich site offers fans an exciting interactive opportunity to hear what the players have to say about the game, the plays and their performance throughout the cup.
At every match, adidas will be hosting a game ball give away, to one lucky fan attending the game. The winner will be announced in conjunction with a broadcast partner, at the match.
During the semi-final matches in Portland, OR and the finals in Los Angeles, CA, adidas will bring a 32 square foot Interactive Soccer Zone to the stadiums. Young fans will be able to win adidas giveaways, test out speed kicks, be hairsprayed or face-painted in their favorite team's colors, get a photo taken with life size cut outs of adidas US players and receive temporary tattoos of their favorite teams.
Kids between the ages of 10-16 will also qualify for an exciting adidas contest to win a chance to be a FIFA flag bearer in the pre-game ceremonies at the semi-final matches in Portland, OR and the finals in Los Angeles, CA. Kids are encouraged to visit participating retailers (GI Joe's, Sport Chalet, Copelands, The Sports Authority, Chicks) and complete competition forms at the in store display. Though the contest dates vary from store to store, the promotion runs for 2 weeks.

Licensed Women's World Cup merchandise

adidas has developed a wide range of Women's World Cup merchandise including fleece tops, 28 various t-shirts, caps, visors and embroidered polos. The primary colors running throughout the line reflect the red, white and blue of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2003 USA logo. The range will be available in sporting goods, department stores, soccer specialty locations, adidas retail stores and on-line at thestore.adidas.com. Products will also be available on site at all Women's World Cup venues.

Contact Information

Summer Stay
Phone: (971) 234-4647
Email: Summer.Stay@adidasus.com