CELEBRATED ASICS WORLD SERIES OF BEACH VOLLEYBALL

IRVINE, Calif., July 22, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ASICS America reinforces its dominating presence as a volleyball powerhouse with the inaugural sponsorship of the famed World Series of Beach Volleyball, taking place July 22-28. With an exciting presence at one of the birthplaces of beach volleyball, Long Beach, Calif., ASICS America plans to engage athletes and local spectators throughout the event with gripping fitness challenges, a surprising covert activation, and a revolutionary product launch. Long known for providing innovative products for indoor volleyball, ASICS America swells beyond the gym to the beach, helping volleyball players and athletes alike better their best.

ASICS AMERICA STEPS UP TO THE NET WITH HISTORIC SPONSORSHIP

The ASICS World Series of Beach Volleyball will be the first Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) sanctioned event in the United States in more than a decade. The Grand Slam tournament will be home to the inaugural ASICS World Series Cup, a unique competition setting the top U.S. men's and women's teams against the best teams from around the world. Featured Pro Beach Volleyball stars and Olympians include U.S. Gold Medalists Kerri Walsh Jennings, Todd Rogers, Phil Dalhausser and Silver Medalists April Ross and Jennifer Kessy. The weeklong event, which will be televised on NBC's network of channels, will draw significant attention for volleyball and showcase ASICS' continued commitment to the sport.

ASICS NEXT EPIC CHALLENGE ENTERTAINS AND TESTS SPECTATORS

Volleyball won't be the only competition at this year's tournament. ASICS Next Epic Challenge will roll into the ASICS World Series of Beach Volleyball to challenge spectators to better their best with unique fitness challenges atop a 16-foot wooden horse. Towering above the beach, the horse will conceal an emcee enticing attendees to compete in activities including Olympic ring pull ups, tsunami ropes, a rope ladder climb, bar pull up and pushups, all for exciting prizes from ASICS.

ASICS DELIVERS STYLE TO THE SAND WITH A SNEAK PEAK OF ITS FIRST LINE OF PERFORMANCE SWIMWEAR

To fully engulf ASICS' entrance into beach volleyball, the brand is introducing a new line of women's performance swimsuits to its Spring 2014 collection. A new category for the brand, the performance swimwear collection features three sport-specific swimsuits with a focus on volleyball and training. The full line of swimsuits is functional in chlorine and salt water, features reversible colorways, and allows added comfort and style with two-piece, mix-and-match options. The swimwear collection will be available in stores starting March 1, 2014, but attendees at the volleyball event will have the first chance to purchase these suits in the official merchandise tent. The swimsuits range in price from $42-$44 for tops and $30 for bottoms.

"The return of the FIVB to the U.S. is an exciting opportunity to exhibit ASICS America's heightened support for beach volleyball, especially as the event takes place so close to our U.S. home in Southern California," said Kevin Wulff, CEO of ASICS America. "Announcing our new performance swimwear line is another important step for the brand as we look to support athletes in a variety of sports and in all stages of training. Whether training for competition or suiting up for a beach volleyball tournament, our line of performance swimwear makes ASICS the first choice for any athlete's needs."

The ASICS World Series of Beach Volleyball is bringing the world's top beach volleyball players and their fans together in a new and unique way. The event is much more than a volleyball tournament; it's a week-long festival celebrating "all things beach," including sports, music, culture and community. In addition to watching the various professional tournaments, the public is invited to register in amateur 4-man and 6-man tournaments, see performances from live bands and explore the sponsor village. Fans will even have an opportunity to take a break from the heat and relax in the on-site beer garden or participate in free morning fitness workouts. ASICS America will also have a strong presence throughout the tournament as the exclusive official merchandise provider.

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 . Be sure to follow @asicsamerica on Twitter for additional information this fall.

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 .

A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=20015

ASICS America Public Relations Contacts: Melinda Hutcheon (949) 266-7029 Ashley Wallace (646)428-0667