Consonant Skincare launches deodorant 

Dealkalizing Deodorant is 100 per cent natural and guarantees 24 hour odour protection 

Toronto ON  After years in development Consonant Skincare today announced the launch of its Dealkalizing Deodorant ($12), created with Bentonite clay and Silk Amino Acids to help absorb moisture and to condition skin. Free of sweat-clogging ingredients often found in off-the-shelf deodorants, Consonant Dealkalizing Deodorant is formulated to bring the pH level of skin to 4.5 - 5.0, inhibiting the growth of odour-causing bacteria.

Virtually every day customers ask us for a 100 per cent natural deodorant that actually works, that you don't have to use your fingers to apply, and that doesn't cost a fortune. We are very proud that Consonant is the first and only brand to have a deodorant that delivers on all three!" said Bill Baker, owner of Consonant Skincare.

Users don't have to sacrifice effectiveness to kick the chemicals. In panel testing, Consonant Dealkalizing Deodorant was found to be 100 per cent effective, 100 per cent of the time. Additionally, the traditional stick format means users don’t have to sacrifice convenience to stay odour free all day long.

Consonant Skincare’s Dealkalizing Deodorant (75 grams) will be available at www.consonantskincare.com, at both locations (2479 Yonge St. and the PATH at 120 Adelaide St. W., Unit R12) and retailers throughout Canada on Monday, July 20 for $12.


Consonant Dealkalizing Deodorant ($12)
About Consonant Skincare: 
Consonant Skincare has two locations in Toronto. Its flagship store is located at 2479 Yonge St. and its PATH store is located at 120 Adelaide St. W., Unit R12. All of Consonant Skincare’s 100 per cent natural products are created and produced in Canada, and are made with the highest possible concentration of organic botanical ingredients. They are formulated to work in harmony with the body’s natural chemistry to improve the health of skin over time, rather than just covering up irritating symptoms. Skin appears firmer, healthier and younger without the use of synthetic ingredients such as parabens, sulphates, petroleum ingredients, phthalates and silicone. HydrExtreme, a customer favourite, was recently awarded the Grand Prize at the Canadian Beauty Innovation Awards.

Store hours: 
PATH store (120 Adelaide St. W., Unit R12)
Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Flagship store (2479 Yonge St.)
Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Website: www.consonantskincare.com
Twitter: @Consonant
Instagram: ConsonantLife
Flickr: High res images of Consonant Skincare products 
Hashtag: #ConsonantSummer

LOLË WHITE TOURTM MAKES HISTORY WITH CENTRAL PARK EVENT UNITING CLOSE TO 10,000 YOGIS

LOL

New York Stop Comes After Memorable Kick-Off at Paris’s Eiffel Tower and Sessions in Montreal and Toronto

September 3, 2015, NEW YORK – Yesterday, the 2015 Lolë White TourTM reaches the apex of its lineup with a spectacular outdoor class uniting close to 10,000 yoga-lovers in the heart of New York City. This once in a lifetime session in beautiful and historic Central Park is the penultimate stop in this year’s series of unforgettable events around the world organized by women’s activewear and lifestyle brand Lolë and presented by FIJI Water.

This inspiring group of thousands of participants, dressed all in white as a symbol of peace, gathered to experience a unique evening of pure serenity against the backdrop of one of the world’s most recognized locales. From 4:30pm to 10pm, Central Park’s breathtaking Great Lawn was home to this singular yoga event led by three of the world’s most influential and beloved instructors – Elena Brower, Colleen Saidman Yee and Rodney Yee – and set to the strains of live music from artists Ingrid Michaelson and special guest Donna De Lory.

“This unprecedented gathering of yoga lovers here in one of the world’s greatest parks, all practicing together in nature, created a flow of communal energy that was breathtaking and magical,” said Bernard Mariette, President and CEO of Coalision, which owns Lolë. “I had the feeling of being a part of a family of 10,000 people all sharing the same sense of peace and gratitude.”

This New York session is a highlight of the brand’s 2015 season, representing the Tour’s largest event and coming on the heels of the opening of the Lolë Atelier New York in the famous SoHo shopping district. Each of the five events on this year’s Tour is a transformative and invigorating experience for body and soul, guided by world-class yoga instructors and set to live music performed by international artists. Having begun with an extraordinary kick-off session under the Eiffel Tower in Paris, continuing onto the brand’s hometown of Montreal and then Toronto, and now landing in New York, the Tour will culminate with a more intimate yet equally momentous session on the iconic Santa Monica Pier later this fall.

“From Paris to New York and beyond, the global scope of the Tour – which this year brings together over 25,000 yoga enthusiasts in cities worldwide – reflects the energy of Lolë’s exhilarating international expansion,” added Bernard Mariette. “Next year’s event in Cambodia will bring our message to a truly universal stage, affirming our dedication to the boundary-erasing power of yoga, meditation, and inner peace.”

The annual Lolë White Tour was launched in 2012 with the goal of building a global wellness movement. Since then, Lolë has united over 50,000 yoga lovers around the world, bringing top yoga talent together with local communities to practice in inspiring, emotionally uplifting locations. The Tour has become renowned in the wellness space for promoting personal connections, community involvement, and the opportunity to experience the exceptional – and will continue doing so with an highly anticipated Cambodia event in 2016, the Tour’s first ever visit to Asia.

---

About Lolë:
Lolë nurtures the body and mind with fun, feminine, and beautifully designed activewear that’s stylish enough to transition instantly from the studio to the street. Designed for today’s active urban woman, Lolë collections truly reflect a modern lifestyle, and turns consumption into investment by offering long-lasting, versatile clothing with real value. Lolë stands for Live Out Loud Everyday.

 

THOUSANDS OF YOGIS UNITE AT TORONTO’S FORT YORK FOR THE LOLË WHITE TOUR
Tour’s Spectacular 3rd Stop After Two Incredible Events at the Eiffel Tower in Paris and Montreal’s Old PortTo download the BRoll and photos from the event, click here

August 22, 2015—Today the Lolë White Tour visited Toronto’s stunning Fort York for a spectacular outdoor yoga session, one in a series of unforgettable events around the world organized by women’s activewear and lifestyle brand Lolë.

A group of nearly 2,000 yoga-lovers, dressed all in white as a symbol of peace, united to experience a morning of pure serenity against the backdrop of historic Fort York in downtown Toronto. From 8 am to 2 pm, this breathtaking location hosted a special yoga class led by world-renowned instructors Grace Dubery & Lisa Messina, set to the strains of live music from artists Dan Mangan and AroarA. Participants basked in the sunshine, empowered by nature and invigorated by the company of like-minded wellness enthusiasts.

Toronto is the third stop in this year’s Tour, which kicked off in June with an extraordinary Paris session joining together 1,500 yogis under the Eiffel Tower, before stopping in Montreal for a mesmerizing 6,500-person event at the city’s Old Port. Next, the Tour will continue on to its largest event, a 10,000-person class in New York’s Central Park, before concluding in Los Angeles. Each event is a transformative and invigorating experience for body and soul, guided by world-class yoga instructors and set to live music performed by international artists. In addition to Dan Mangan & AroarA in Toronto, the Tour’s live soundtrack will feature Ingrid Michaelson & special guest Donna De Lory in New York and Odd Us in Los Angeles.

“From Paris and Montreal to Toronto and beyond, the global scope of the Tour – which this year brings together over 25,000 yoga enthusiasts in cities worldwide – is an exciting reflection of our brand’s international expansion,” said Bernard Mariette, President and CEO of Coalision, which owns Lolë. “It all sets the stage for next year’s event in Cambodia – our first major session in Asia – which will convey the Lolë message of the benefits of yoga, meditation, and inner peace on a truly universal stage.”

“When so many yoga lovers gather together to practice with live musical accompaniment, the flow of communal energy is just incredible,” said Isabelle Mille, VP Entertainment of Lolë. “This year, our Tour really celebrates this boundary-erasing power of yoga and embodies Lolë’s mission to get people moving, connecting and feeling good inside out.”

The annual Lolë White Tour was launched in 2012 with the goal of building a global wellness movement. By the end of this year’s edition, the Tour will have united close to 50,000 yoga lovers around the world, bringing top yoga talent together with local communities to practice in inspiring, emotionally uplifting locations. The Tour has become renowned in the wellness space for promoting personal connections, community involvement, and the opportunity to experience the exceptional.

To download the BRoll and photos from the event, click here.
---

About Lolë:
Lolë nurtures the body and mind with fun, feminine, and beautifully designed activewear that’s stylish enough to transition instantly from the studio to the street. Designed for today’s active urban woman, Lolë collections truly reflect a modern lifestyle, and turns consumption into investment by offering long-lasting, versatile clothing with real value. Lolë stands for Live Out Loud Everyday.

Instagram: @LoleWomen  | Twitter: @LoleWomen | Facebook.com/Lolemen

Polar Releases The Loop 2 

Loop 2 Activity Tracker helps you find the time to be active, giving smart guidance and cheering you on every step of the way.

What’s new in Loop 2?
It’s upgraded with a super soft silicone wristband, smart notifications* and vibrating inactivity alerts for extra motivation. Like swimming? So does Loop 2. And of course, it’s heart rate ready. Just sync it with the Polar H7 Bluetooth Smart heart rate sensor to track your workout intensity.

Get your Loop 2 first! Buy now in Powder White and Sorbet Pink.

polar_loop2_white_412x540_1

Fitmark is a proud sponsor of the Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA). Through our 1 for 100 Program, we donate a bag for every $100 we net through our web sales. This summer we have donated more than 1,000 bags to multiple locations across the country, and in August, another 3,000+ junior backpacks will be donated directly to BGCA in Oakland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, and other cities across America.

Fitmark Giving Back Program

The BGCA is an amazing organization that helps children living in economically challenged neighborhoods throughout the United States. By giving these kids a safe community environment in which to learn and grow, the BGCA helps them to develop confidence and self-esteem, offering hope and opportunity for the future. Its many life-enhancing programs include:

  • Education and career programs
  • Character and leadership programs
  • Health and life skills
  • The arts program
  • Sports, fitness and recreation
  • Specialized programs

“From the beginning, we made it a commitment to work hard and grow our company so that we not only achieved our growth projections, but that we also gave back to the community as much as we could,” Fitmark Founder and CEO, Mark Samuel.

In addition to the donations we’re making to BGCA, this year we’ll also be donating more than 500 backpacks to Together We Rise (TWR). This is a unique not-for-profit founded by a brave college student by the name of Danny Mendoza. After he found out that his 9-year-old cousin was living in a car and later placed into foster care, Mendoza knew he wanted to make a substantial difference to the lives of more than 500,000 children in America living in foster care.

“The foster care system can be a confusing and sometimes disheartening place, but through our fundraising and network of passionate volunteers, we strive to give foster children a brighter future, a sense of normalcy and belonging. Events like the National Build-a-Bike Tour, Sports Camps, and Sweet Cases allow foster youth to get out, play, and learn new skills just like any other kid. Our Aging Out program also provides resources to older youth who are leaving the foster care system. We strive to be the helping hand that foster youth need so that they may go confidently onto their futures.”

During the middle of August, just in time for back-to-school, Fitmark’s Founder and CEO Mark Samuel will be donating these bags in person to these two worthy organizations. To celebrate the good work that these organizations do, Mark will also join some special events hosted by BGCA and TWR.

Watch this space for more on Fitmark’s 1 for 100 Program and how we’re helping others create a bright future for deserving kids in need.

Stay Fit,
The Fitmark Team
Fitmarkbags.com

JABRA INTRODUCES WORLD'S FIRST WIRELESS HEADSET WITH CROSS TRAINING 

COACHING AND MUSIC

Jabra Sport Coach Wireless Earbuds and Sport Life App (CNW Group/Jabra)
Jabra Sport Coach Wireless Earbuds and Sport Life App (CNW Group/Jabra)

 

Jabra Sport Coach Wireless offers an integrated motion sensor and companion Sport Life app to provide real-time in-ear audio coaching

Toronto, ON For fans of burpees, lunges, squats and planks who want the added motivation of individual coaching while listening to music, the world's first wireless cross-training audio solution has arrived! The Jabra Sport Coach Wireless earbuds combine personalized in-ear coaching with premium Dolby sound to get the most out of cross training workouts. The launch of the Sport Coach extends Jabra's sport audio product line, and follows the award-winning Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless earbuds that introduced in-ear heart rate monitoring for the very first time. 

 

Key features of the new Jabra Sport Coach Wireless headset optimized for cross training include:

  • Best music experience with premium Dolby® sound quality
  • Integrated motion sensor and advanced Sport Life app provide real-time in-ear audio coaching
  • Secure fit, lightweight and compact design
  • Extends Jabra's sports audio product range, pioneered by the award-winning Sport Pulse™ wireless earbuds for runners
Developed to meet the needs of cross training enthusiasts, the Jabra Sport Coach Wireless creates customized workouts based on over 40 different exercises - either time or repetition-based training - via the Sport Life companion app. The app lets users plan, track, and analyze cross training workouts, choosing exercises from beginner to advanced, with in-the-moment, personalized in-ear audio coaching. To ensure you achieve optimal performance and your overall fitness goals, the integrated TrackFitTM motion sensor provides advanced tracking of pace, distance, step count, cadence and calories to make every workout count.

 

"For sports, we are committed to delivering innovative audio solutions designed to enhance the training experience for fitness enthusiasts," says Jabra CEO René Svendsen-Tune. "We started by specifically targeting runners, and now we are taking the next step by delivering a solution optimized for cross trainers. We see clear possibilities for in-ear audio solutions combined with biometrics." 

 

Jabra Sport Coach Wireless will be available in July for $169.99 at select Best Buy Canada stores, www.bestbuy.ca and www.jabra.ca.

 

Download photos of Jabra Sport Coach™ Wireless here

 

Watch the video for Jabra Sport Coach Wireless here 

 

- 30 - 

 

www.jabra.ca

null
About Jabra 

Jabra is the brand of GN Netcom, a subsidiary of GN Store Nord A/S (GN) - listed on NASDAQ OMX. Jabra employs approximately 900 people worldwide and in 2012 produced an annual revenue which amounted to DKK 2,355 million. Jabra is a world leader in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of a broad range of hands-free communications solutions. With a reputation for innovation, reliability, and ease of use that goes back more than two decades, Jabra's consumer and business divisions produce corded and wireless headsets, plus mobile and in-office speakerphones that empower individuals and businesses through increased freedom of movement, comfort, and functionality.

© 2013 GN Netcom A/S. All rights reserved. Jabra® is a registered trademark of GN Netcom A/S. All other trademarks included herein are the property of their respective owners. (Design and specifications subject to change without notice) 

OPUS launches colourful new line of Classico city bikes for Spring 2015 season 

 

Toronto, ON — Canadian bicycle company OPUS celebrates the arrival of spring with an update on its successful Classico city bikes, available in a range of sunny colours that will please every discerning taste. With its modern technology, retro inspiration and vibrant colors, the “his and hers” collection meets the urban cyclist’s demand for both style and functionality. The Classico collection is simply this season’s “must have.”

We chose the new colours for the Classico collection to appeal to the wide range of urban cyclists, from neophyte to the experienced urban travelers who are keen to be informed on the latest trends,” said David Bowman, president of Outdoor Gear Canada, the country’s largest distributor of bicycles and accessories, and the company behind OPUS.

With seven vivid colors and two builds to choose from, Canadians will be instant Classico fans. To celebrate spring and make urban outings more fun, people can choose from poppy red, opaline green, imperial green, cerulean blue, night blue, tangerine orange, garnet red, deep turquoise, raven black, gloss white, or platinum gray — each a standout on road or bike paths.

In addition to the head-turning retro styling and colors, the supremely practical Classico 1.0 and 2.0 models are the simplest way to get around town. Made from 6061 aluminum, they are designed for quick and efficient urban jaunts. The Classico 1.0 is equipped with a kickstand, fenders and rack, and sells for $699.99, while the Classico 2.0 also comes well-equipped for $559.99.

OPUS’ latest urban bike collection showcases the bright, deep colors that best respond to urban cyclists’ growing demand, while also hitting the right sunny notes for the season.





For a list of OPUS retailers, please visit www.ogc.ca/opusbike.html.

Twitter: @OpusBike
Instagram@OpusBike
Facebook: @OpusBike

About OPUS
Founded in 1979, Outdoor Gear Canada, the country’s leading distributor of premium cycling products, designs and assembles OPUS bicycles in its LEED-certified office and warehouse in Montreal, Quebec. OGC also operates a warehouse and service center in Vancouver, British Columbia for western Canadian dealers. Opus’ 2015 Program includes a full range of urban, road, mountain and kids’ models sold throughout Canada and the United States. The company is also exploring expansion into other international markets.

TOMS launches its fourth One for One® product, the TOMS Bag Collection, to address maternal health, in Canadian market on March 6

With every bag purchased, TOMS will help provide a safe birth for a mother and baby in need 

Toronto, ON – TOMS, the company known for starting a global movement through its One for One® business model, has launched its fourth and newest product, the TOMS Bag Collection, addressing the issue of maternal health worldwide. With every TOMS bag purchased, TOMS will help provide a safe birth for a mother and baby in need. The announcement was made today by TOMS Founder Blake Mycoskie.

After years in the field, I recognized a need for advancements in maternal health,” said Mycoskie, “so we developed a program with our Giving Partners to identify two key ways TOMS can aid in safer birthing conditions. Being able to give in this way – one that helps save the lives of mothers and newborns – is incredibly special. The issue of maternal health is very close to my heart, as I just became a father this past December. I truly believe people around the world will be amazed at what these bags can do.”

The TOMS Bag Collection features three distinct bag lines including Artisan, Travel-inspired, and Campus and Tech, in canvas, leather and global prints ranging from $30-$328 CDN. TOMS bags will be available for fashionable, philanthropic Canadians at TOMS.ca and select retailers across the country starting on Friday, March 6.

The Artisan line is hand-crafted, hand-beaded and hand-sewn using special construction techniques that have been passed down from generations. The Travel Inspired line draws on TOMS’ employee’s experiences as world travellers, and are extremely lightweight, utilitarian, multi-functional in design and are built to wear-in beautifully with everyday and travel use. The Campus and Tech line is colourful and multi-textured and is designed to carry computers, iPads, tablets and more in style, with many of the offerings being unisex. Key silhouettes for this collection include the tote, baby bags, bucket and the hobo crossbody.

Funds from TOMS bag purchases will help provide safe births in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Haiti and India. This work will be done by a network of TOMS Giving Partners involved in maternal and child health programs, who will help provide training for skilled birth attendants, along with a safe birth kit that includes vital materials like soap, gloves, gauze, a cord clamp, surgical blade and a clean surface to help a woman safely give birth.

TOMS Tablet Sleeve in Jetset Black ($140). TOMS Canvas Drawstring in Reef Chili Chevron ($86)

TOMS Traveler Duffel in Saffrom Ikat ($164). TOMS Coastal Canvas Tote in Chili Ikat ($108)

TOMS Linen Woven Backpack ($108). TOMS Leather Canvas Backpack in Caravan Cognac ($274)

TOMS’ Giving Partners in this area include respected organizations such as United Nations Population Fund, BRAC and ayzh. In addition, TOMS has selected Every Mother Counts as its maternal health advocacy partner.

Infection is a leading cause of death among mothers and newborns worldwide, and by providing clean birth conditions and skilled birth attendants, nearly half a million lives can be saved each year. (Source: UNFPA and Every Newborn Action Plan, 2014). Each year, 40 million women around the world give birth without the help of a skilled birth attendant (Source: Millennium Development Goals Report, 2014), but with the training of skilled birth attendants and proper materials to help provide a safer delivery, women are up to 80 per cent less likely to develop an infection and nearly half of newborn deaths can be prevented (Source: UNFPA, 2015).

Of the potential impact the TOMS Bag Collection can have around the world, Mycoskie added, “While in the field, I’ve met mothers and entire families who have been affected by the physical and emotional repercussions of giving birth alone, or in unsafe environments. We feel it’s our responsibility to change this through the TOMS business model, and we’re so proud to be able to present the first One for One product that can actually help save lives.”

Image courtesy of TOMS

Twitter@TOMS, #TOMSCanada
FacebookTOMS, #TOMSCanada
Instagram@TOMS, #TOMSCanada
YouTubeTOMS

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA):
UNFPA (www.unfpa.org) is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. Since 1969, UNFPA has been working in over 150 countries that are home to 80 per cent of the world’s population.

BRAC:
BRAC (www.brac.net) is a development organization founded in Bangladesh in 1972 and a global leader in creating opportunities at scale as a means to end poverty. With more than 102,000 employees, it is the world's largest non-governmental organization, touching the lives of an estimated 135 million people in 12 countries.

ayzh:
A for-profit social venture, ayzh (www.ayzh.com) provides health and livelihood solutions to impoverished women worldwide. This includes developing low-cost, appropriate technology designed to meet the unique needs of women in resource-poor settings.

Every Mother Counts:
Every Mother Counts (www.everymothercounts.org) is TOMS’ maternal health advocacy partner. Founded by global maternal health advocate Christy Turlington Burns, Every Mother Counts is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother. Every Mother Counts informs, engages, and mobilizes new audiences to take actions and raise funds that support maternal health programs around the world. Every Mother Counts supports programs in Haiti, Uganda, Malawi, Indonesia, India, Tanzania and the United States that address three critical barriers to maternal health care: lack of education, transportation and supplies.

About TOMS:
In 2006, American traveler Blake Mycoskie befriended children in a village in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One®. Since then, TOMS has given over 35 million pairs of new shoes around the world.

Realizing that One for One® could serve other global needs, TOMS launched TOMS Eyewear in 2011 to help restore sight to persons in need with every purchase of sunglasses and optical frames. Since then, TOMS has helped restore sight for over 300,000 people worldwide.

In 2014, TOMS Roasting Co. launched with the mission to provide clean water to developing communities with the purchase of premium coffee. Since its debut, TOMS Roasting Co. has provided over 67,000 weeks of safe water to communities in need in seven countries.

 

Rihanna Named Global PUMA Ambassador - @puma - Train It Right

rhianna

Rihanna to PARTNER with PUMA
Rihanna Named Global PUMA Ambassador


Herzogenaurach, Germany (16 December) –
Today, PUMA and Global Cultural icon Rihanna, announced a new multi-year partnership, kicking off in January 2015. Rihanna will become PUMA’s global ambassador for Women’s Training and serve as the PUMA Women’s Creative Director, bringing her styling sensibilities and innovation to PUMA’s collections. Embodying everything that PUMA stands for, Rihanna’s unstoppable spirit, creative energy and prowess both on and off the stage, make her the perfect representation of the PUMA brand.

 

Through this partnership, Rihanna will be the face of PUMA’s Women’s Training category. Fans can anticipate PUMA and Rihanna taking a fresh, forward thinking and non-traditional approach to sports, fitness and lifestyle – fusing Rihanna’s personality, love of sports, spirit and style into the growing footwear and apparel segment. No stranger to breaking the mold with beauty, fashion and lifestyle trends, Rihanna, with PUMA’s support, will bring her personal touch and creativity to the athletic world.

 

Rihanna will also assume the role of PUMA’s Creative Director for the category, directly influencing product collections as early as 2015, and working in partnership with PUMA’s Internal Product Creation team. These collections will be designed with the goal of strengthening women in training sessions and beyond, and inspiring confidence in their bodies and themselves – the exact confidence for which Rihanna is so well known and celebrated. As part of her role, Rihanna will work with PUMA to design and customize classic PUMA styles as well as create new styles to add to the PUMA product portfolio.

 

Speaking about the new partnership with PUMA, Rihanna said: “It’s great to find a brand that celebrates strength and individuality. I couldn't think of a more perfect partner to collaborate with as a creative director. I'm excited for you to see what Puma and I come up with.”

 

Rihanna will play a starring role in PUMA’s brand campaign, Forever Faster and be featured along with many of PUMA’s world-class athletes such as Usain Bolt and Sergio Aguero. PUMA and Rihanna will launch several fan activations throughout the partnership around the world such as consumer and retail events, training and fitness related social media content, and product programs.

 

Bjørn Gulden, CEO at PUMA commented: “Signing Rihanna is a fantastic step for PUMA. Her global profile, her charisma and individuality, her ambition – all these things make her a perfect ambassador for our brand. She also aligns perfectly with the values PUMA strives for: to be Confident, Brave, Determined and Joyful. With a strong portfolio in football, running and motorsport, finding an inspiring partner for women’s training was very important. Rihanna was a natural choice for us. We’re delighted to have her as a partner, and we’re looking forward to what’s to come.”

 

Adam Petrick, Global Brand & Marketing Director for PUMA said, “Rihanna brings joy to audiences around the world but also ignites and awes. PUMA admires her for never waiting for the next big thing, but more so for driving what happens next - in fashion, style, music and soon to be - sports. We can't wait to empower women worldwide with Rihanna - she demonstrates a body confidence and determination that is the exact representation of the PUMA Woman.”

 

Anxious to learn more? Follow PUMA and Rihanna’s journey on Instagram (@PUMA and @badgalriri), Twitter (@PUMA and @rihanna) and Facebook (facebook.com/PUMA and facebook.com/Rihanna) and online at www.puma.com and www.rihannanow.com.

 

 

 

 PUMA

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

PUMA is one of the world’s leading Sports Brands, designing, developing, selling and marketing footwear, apparel and accessories. For over 65 years, PUMA has established a history of making fast product designs for the fastest athletes on the planet. PUMA offers performance and sport-inspired lifestyle products in categories such as Football, Running, Training and Fitness, Golf, and Motorsports. It engages in exciting collaborations with renowned design brands such as Alexander McQueen and Mihara Yasuhiro to bring innovative and fast designs to the sports world. The PUMA Group owns the brands PUMA, Cobra Golf, Tretorn, Dobotex and Brandon. The company distributes its products in more than 120 countries, employs more than 10,000 people worldwide, and is headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany. For more information, please visit http://www.puma.com

 

 

 

SERENA WILLIAMS COMPLETES HER FIRST QUARTER MARATHON AT THE SERENA WILLIAMS ULTIMATE IN MIAMI BEACH 

Serena-Willimas-running-MIAMI - Alicia Bell - Train It Right
Successful 5K Run/Walk and KIDS Dash benefits the Serena Williams Fund in support of education and victims of violent crimes

Miami Beach, FL – December 15th, 2014:  Serena Williams joined more than two thousand avid running enthusiasts from South Florida and around the country for the first annual Serena Williams Ultimate RUN South Beach on Sunday, December 14th.  Serena took part in her first Quarter Marathon (6.55 miles), among hundreds of other aspiring athletes who also participated in the 5K Run/Walk and Team Challenge – bringing together runners of all ages and abilities. The event was to raise money for the Serena Williams Fund, which provides assistance to families affected by violent crimes and providing underprivileged youth around the world with the highest quality of education available to them. Serena’s sister, Venus Williams, also gave her support by running the 5K.

Serena commented after participating in the Quarter Marathon, and crossing the finish line in a time of 1 hour 14 minutes:  “Today’s run was so enjoyable and the spirit of everyone who came out was so passionate which helped me to build the energy I needed for my first quarter marathon.  I’ve never ran that far before, so I had to pace myself, but I was pleased with my finish time.  I’d like to thank all the sponsors and everyone who participated in the run to help raise money for underprivileged youth around the world.”

The winning Male and Female in the 5K run both shattered course records and are the fastest times completed in Miami for a 5K run by both a man and a woman over the last two decades. Pablo Solares was the 1st place male winner of the 5K with an official time of 14:40 – a new course record by 45 seconds. Pablo is the Mexican National Record Holder in the Mile, 1500 meters and 800 meters. His fiancé, Shannon Rowbury, was the 1st place female winner of the 5K with an official finish time of 15:58 – a new course record by 1 minute and 30 seconds. Shannon is a U.S Olympic middle distance runner and U.S record holder in the 2 mile and is also a member of the Nike Oregon Project. Canadian Olympic distance runner for Nike Oregon Project, Cam Levins, was the 1st place male winner of the Quarter Marathon with an official finish time of 30:46 – a new course record by 5 minutes. Aimee Nielsen, from Miami, was the 1st place female winner of the Quarter Marathon with an official finish time of 40:41.

The world famous Ocean Drive was closed to traffic for the Ultimate Run’s scenic start and finish lines. The course took runners through Miami’s renowned South Beach scene, a major entertainment and tourist destination known for its picturesque beauty, Art Deco buildings, nightlife, restaurants and iconic hotels.  The legendary American track coach and retired long-distance runner, Alberto Salazar, was on-hand to fire the starting gun as a tribute to the commencement of the first annual Serena Williams Ultimate Run. Event sponsors including Nike, Gatorade, Delta, Beats by Dre and MISSION Athletecare took part in creating a memorable experience for all participants.

“Our inaugural Serena Williams Ultimate Run was quite a memorable event,” says Marc Wachter, the event’s executive producer. “Runners of all ages and abilities were very excited to come out in their thousands on a very early and crisp Miami December morning to run alongside Serena for a great cause.  We are thrilled to have had such an iconic athlete behind the first in our Ultimate Run series and Serena’s enthusiasm really gave every participant the Ultimate experience.  We look forward to making this one of Miami’s most popular sporting occasions on South Florida’s annual event calendar.”

Open to runners of all ages, registrants of the Ultimate RUN received a premium Nike tech, gender-specific Serena Williams Ultimate Run t-shirt and custom artisan finisher medal and official finisher certificate with chip-timed result.  Runners experienced recovery refreshments, post-race entertainment and a most memorable experience along one of the most famous beachfront locations in the world. A medal and Nike t-shirt was presented for the Ultimate KIDS Dash, participated in by children ages 2-10 years-old, during which Serena and Venus cheered the smallest runners to the finish.

For post-race celebrations, participants of the run, along with the Williams sisters, headed over to The Clevelander South Beach on Ocean Drive, where hundreds witnessed Serena and Venus join their other two sisters on-stage to perform karaoke to favorites that included “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge.  Prior to the sister’s much-loved karaoke performance was the event’s award ceremony, during which Serena presented the winners and runners-up with trophies for their triumphant accomplishments.

“We are thrilled that a significant portion of proceeds resulting from the Serena Williams Ultimate Run will go towards the Serena Williams Fund, which provides assistance to families affected by violent crimes and providing underprivileged youth around the world with the highest quality of education available to them,” said Michael Rose, Managing Partner of Rose Capital Advisors in Miami Beach and Board Member of the Serena Williams Fund. For further information, visit www.theserenawilliamsfoundation.org.

For further information on the Serena Williams Ultimate Run, visit www.TheUltimateRun.com and facebook.com/SerenaWilliamsUltimateRunSouthBeach or @TheUltimateRun.

The Serena Williams Ultimate Run was sponsored by Nike, Gatorade, beats by dr. dre, Delta Airlines, MISSION Athletecare, Merchant Hub, Whole Foods Market, Douglas Elliman, Rose Capital and Ocean Drive Magazine and The Clevelander South Beach. 

ABOUT THE SERENA WILLIAMS ULTIMATE RUN

The Serena Williams Ultimate Run is a one-day annual event starting on the iconic Ocean Drive in South Beach that unites thousands of avid running enthusiasts of all ages and abilities in support of the Serena Williams Fund. Co-created byfounders Michael Rose of Rose Capital Advisors, Marc Wachter, Executive Producer and Serena Williams, participants canregister to enter a Quarter Marathon (6.55 miles), 5K Run/Walk or Ultimate KIDS Dash for a chance to run alongside SerenaWilliams herself and some of today’s leading athletes who come together for a worthy cause.  A significant portion of proceeds resulting from the event benefit the SerenaWilliams Fund which provides assistance to families affected by violent crimes and providing underprivileged youth around the world with the highest quality of education available to them.  For further information, visit www.TheUltimateRun.com

ABOUT THE SERENA WILLIAMS FUND
The Serena Williams Fund was established to achieve two goals. The first is to provide assistance to youth whose parents and families have been affected by violent crimes. The Fund will do this by funding and creating programs that will provide counseling, care (foster care and day care), housing, food, and education to youth  who have been affected by violent crimes throughout the United States. The Fund’s second goal is to assist underprivileged  youth around the world in receiving the highest quality education available to them. The Serena Williams Fund has achieved and will continue to work toward this goal by providing grants and scholarships to deserving high school students around the world. This work includes the two schools currently operating in Kenya that Serena opened in 2009 and 2010 respectively. These grants and scholarships will aid the students in attending college, learning a trade, or learning how they can start their own business so that they can better themselves and the world as a whole. For further information, visit http://www.theserenawilliamsfoundation.org

***