World's Finest Volleyball Forces Collide In Long Beach At The ASICS® World Series Of Beach Volleyball With Record Purse Prize And Epic Spectator Test

IRVINE, Calif., July 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- ASICS America Corporation mans the net with continued title sponsorship of the 2014 World Series of Beach Volleyball for the second year in a row. This year's tournament, taking place in Long Beach, Calif. from July 22 – 27^th, boasts a record-setting purse prize of more than $1 million, double the purse from 2013. In addition to supporting this epic event as title sponsor, ASICS America welcomes the newest member to its elite athlete roster, Kerri Walsh Jennings, who will compete with partner April Ross to represent the United States in the World Series competition. Throughout the tournament, ASICS America will celebrate the culture and competition of beach volleyball with live music, an interactive consumer challenge, and expanded promotion of its new line of performance swimwear.

ASICS ADDS MOST DECORATED FEMALE BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYER TO ITS ELITE ATHLETE ROSTER
Shortly after winning her 47^th world tour gold medal in China, making her the most accomplished female athlete in beach volleyball, Kerri Walsh Jennings returns to the ASICS® World Series of Beach Volleyball as the newest member of the ASICS elite athlete team. A native Californian, Kerri will be playing alongside her new partner April Ross, decked out in ASICS' new performance swimwear as they compete for continued dominance on the international stage. With beach volleyball as a key focus for the brand in 2014, ASICS is proud to welcome Kerri to its team, as it celebrates its second year as title sponsor of the World Series of Beach Volleyball.

CRUSH IT LIKE KERRI WALSH JENNINGS
The fastest spike at this year's competition won't just be seen on the Grand Slam court as spectators and consumers can step up to the net and test their volleyball talent against the "Kerri Cannon." This interactive consumer activation allows fans and spectators alike to step into the shoes of one of the greatest beach volleyball players of all time as they attempt to return a head-spinning spike of up to 65 miles per hour, the fastest recorded women's spike.

Centrally located near the sponsorship village and main court, here's how it works:

• Participants join forces with a partner and sign a liability waiver to receive an ASICS stamp
• When their turn is up, the pair takes to the court and gets in position to receive five consecutive spikes controlled by a remote-operated spiking machine that offers a small taste of what it feels like to play against an elite volleyball athlete like Kerri Walsh Jennings
• Participants receive points by returning each ball to the other side of the net where outlined areas of the court correspond with various point ranges
• After the fifth ball, the team leaves the court to view action shots and share video and photos with friend and family via social media  

ASICS will keep track of teams who score the best and give out prizes to the winners each day. Teams can get a high score by returning as many spikes as possible and accurately placing them within targets on the opposing side. Those unable to attend in person will have the opportunity to battle live via a game experience on their desktop computer. All the viewers at home need to do is sign-up and get in line to control the Kerri Cannon at http://kerricannon.asicsamerica.com. Those who register to play will be entered for a chance to win a VIP trip to the World Series of Beach Volleyball tournament in 2015. The Kerri Cannon will be open for challenge from July 22^nd – July 27^th from 10:00am-6:00pm.

ASICS COMPETES WITH STYLE
After a preview of its first performance swimwear products at last year's tournament, ASICS America will now introduce the full line to athletes and spectators. The collection of competition swimsuits is functional in chlorine and salt water, features reversible colorways, is sand resistant, quick-drying and allows added comfort and style with two-piece, mix-and-match options. The Kanani™ Bikini Top and Bottom has everything a die-hard beach volleyball player needs with durability, sun/sweat protection, and five cute colorways. Another top-seller, the Keli™ Bikini Top, features bold colors and a unique crossover design for added adjustability and style on the sand. Additionally, the popular Kaitlyn™ Bikini Top offers moderate coverage with a matching Kaitlyn™ Bottom featuring a drawstring on the side to tighten for a secure fit. The swimwear collection is available in stores and online, and consumers at the tournament can purchase them at the official ASICS merchandise tent. The swimsuits range in price from $42-$44 for tops and $30 for bottoms.  

CELEBRATING THE CULTURE OF BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Back for a second year, the ASICS® World Series of Beach Volleyball is bringing the top beach volleyball players and their fans together in a new and unique way. The weeklong tournament celebrates all things beach volleyball as players of all levels can get in on the action and play in four and six person tournaments on courts right alongside the elites. Throughout the event, fans will have the opportunity to engage and interact with all the top athletes who are competing on their road to qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Attendees will also have the chance to catch live music while enjoying a drink with their toes in the sand at the tournament's beachside Bud Light Beer Garden.

"At ASICS, we have a tremendous passion for the sport and culture of beach volleyball, and we're thrilled to continue as title sponsor of the celebrated ASICS® World Series of Beach Volleyball for a second year," commented Kevin Wulff, President CEO of ASICS America Corporation. "It's an exciting time to add Kerri Walsh Jennings as a standout member of our athlete team and we look forward to supporting her on and off the court. This tournament is the crown jewel of the Federation Internationale de Volleyball and our continued support for the event, and standout athletes like Kerri, further solidifies our position as leaders in the beach volleyball space." 

For more information on ASICS America, the ASICS® World Series of Beach Volleyball and the new ASICS performance swimwear collection, please visit www.asicsamerica.com, follow @asicsamerica on Twitter and @ASICS on Instagram.

About ASICS
Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, meaning "A Sound Mind in a Sound Body," is an old Latin phrase from which ASICS is derived and the fundamental platform on which the brand still stands. The company was founded more than 60 years ago by Kihachiro Onitsuka and is now a leading designer and manufacturer of performance athletic shoes, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit www.asics.com.

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SOURCE ASICS