In the Community
The Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund®, in partnership with The V Foundation for Cancer Research, has announced that Sof Sole®, an Implus Corporation brand, has joined the fight against cancer by becoming an official sponsor.
"The Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund is proud to announce Sof Sole's sponsorship," said Marsha Sharp, Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund executive director. "Through partnerships such as this, we can continue to get more and more people involved in helping find a cure for cancer." The official announcement and a ceremonial check presentation of $50,000 took place at half-time of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's versus North Carolina State University women's basketball game on Sunday, February 21, 2010. This matchup was UNC's WBCA Pink Zone® game.
"It is amazing to me how Coach Kay Yow's life and the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund continue to touch others even after her passing," said Sylvia Hatchell, UNC head women's basketball coach. "Sof Sole is based in the heart of the Triangle area, and it's wonderful to see them embrace Coach Yow's legacy and look for ways to continue to make a difference in the fight against women's cancers in her honor." Sof Sole is the newest sponsor of the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund. Others include Founding Partners GlaxoSmithKline and Nike.
Implus Corporation, one of the world’s leading companies in below the ankle footwear accessories, is proud to announce a partnership with their Sof Sole brand of performance footbeds and hosiery and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). As an official partner, Implus will provide Sof Sole products to collegiate basketball coaches around the country and participate in a number of NABC activities including the 2010 NABC convention in Indianapolis, Indiana as part of the 2010 Men’s Final Four®.
One of the leading footcare brands in the sporting goods industry, the Sof Sole brand of products optimizes performance and comfort for both athletes and everyday users.
“The NABC is very pleased to develop this partnership with Implus,” said NABC Executive Director Jim Haney. “We look forward to working with them throughout the 2009-2010 season as well as at the 2010 NABC Convention and NCAA Final Four®.”
The partnership presents an opportunity for members of the NABC to experience the true performance of their footwear through the use of various Sof Sole® products including their line of performance insoles and socks.
“The care, comfort and health of our feet are concerns for coaches and players in all sports, but especially basketball,” said Jamie Dixon, head coach at the University of Pittsburgh. “We need to be proactive in the care and prevention of foot injuries to our players. At the same time, coaches are on their feet for long periods during practices and games and want to be as comfortable as possible.”
“Sof Sole is proud to support the National Association of Basketball Coaches,” said Todd Vore, President of Implus Corporation. “Performance is the heart of the Sof Sole brand, and who better to benefit from the products than the coaches and athletes who are constantly on their feet, teaching and performing every day.”
The Competitor Group (CGI) and Implus Corporation today announced that Sof Sole® will become the Official Insole Sponsor of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. The two-year partnership will begin at the inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll Mardi Gras Marathon & ½ Marathon in New Orleans on February 28.
“Our sponsorship of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon series leverages one of the most unique health and fitness marketing platforms in the industry,” said Todd Vore, President of Implus. “Catering to runners from novice to elite, the national series will provide us with numerous channels to highlight our innovative products and unique brand attributes.”
Sof Sole has partnered with the largest marathon series in the world to spread the word about their performance insoles and overlays designed to provide shock absorption, enhance shoe comfort and support, and reduce lower body fatigue. As the official insole sponsor of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, Sof Sole® will have a significant presence at each of the 14 national Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon & ½ Marathon events in cities such as Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Dallas, Seattle and Las Vegas, among others.
“As an innovative leader in their industry, Sof Sole recognizes the importance of the many opportunities the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series provides our partners,” said John Smith, Senior Vice-President of the Competitor Group. “Sof Sole has a long tradition of producing quality footwear accessories and we are pleased that they chose Competitor’s events as outlets to their customers.”
Sof Sole will showcase its footwear accessories at each event’s signature Health & Fitness Expo and at retail locations in the respective race areas. Each Rock ‘n’ Roll event draws 15,000 to 30,000 participants, and more than 100,000 consumers tour the two-day expo.
Durham-based Sof Sole to sponsor program
(Durham, NC) - Active duty military will be able to attend 2010 Durham Bulls games for free, thanks to a partnership with Sof Sole, a footwear accessory brand, and division of Implus Corporation in Research Triangle Park.
The program covers all Bulls regular-season games at Durham Bulls Athletic Park, as well as USA Baseball games played there. Active military will need to show identification at the Bulls ticket office to take advantage of the opportunity.
"We are very appreciative of the men and women serving our country," said Bulls General Manager Mike Birling. "We also are happy to have some great local companies, and appreciate Implus' support of the local military. This program will provide them with great entertainment when they're in the area throughout the Spring and Summer."
In addition to the ticket, all military who take advantage of the offer will receive a special coupon from Implus. The RTP-based accessory company has been continually active in helping area military, providing insoles and socks to thousands of men and women serving overseas.
"Implus and Sof Sole is proud to help bring our country's heroes and their families together," said Todd Vore, President of Implus. "By assisting the Durham Bulls in extending all Military free admission, we can give them a chance to kick their feet up and enjoy what they are fighting for."
Sof Sole is a leading footbed, hosiery and shoe accessory brand in sporting goods, with distribution locally at tech running stores including 9th Street Active Feet, Inside Out Sports and The Athlete's Foot, and nationally at Dick's Sporting Goods, Finish Line and Famous Footwear. Its products are sold in more than 50,000 stores in North America and 65 countries world-wide.
The Bulls regular-season home opener is on April 15th against the Norfolk Tides. Durham plays an exhibition game on April 3rd against the Tampa Bay Rays. Additional information can be found about the 2010 season at www.durhambulls.com.
Durham-based Footwear & Accessories Brand Serves as Sponsor of Tournament
(Cary, N.C.) - The Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic, a premier celebrity golf fundraiser for The V Foundation for Cancer Research, is proud to announce that Sof Sole will serve as the 2010 Signature Sponsor for the "Jimmy V Cruise to Key West" event. This fun-filled event will take place on Friday, August 20, 2010 at the Raleigh Convention Center. It is open to the public and is one of the many exciting events leading up to the 17th annual Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic to be held on August 22, 2010 at the Lonnie Poole Golf Course on NC State University's Centennial Campus.
"Sof Sole is proud to support The V Foundation for Cancer Research and all of their fundraising events," said Todd Vore, President of Sof Sole parent company Implus. "This disease has affected so many of us, and we are delighted to contribute to The V Foundation's efforts to raise funds and help find a cure for cancer."
Sof Sole is a division of Implus, headquartered in North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park. Sof Sole is a leading footbed, hosiery, and shoe accessory brand in sporting goods, with distribution locally at technical running stores including 9th Street Active Feet, Inside Out Sports and The Athlete's Foot, and nationwide at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Finish Line and Famous Footwear.
"We are so thankful to our all of sponsors for supporting us in our mission to find a cure for cancer," said Anna Jackson, Marketing Director for The Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic. "The Friday night Cruise to Key West Party will be a great event and we encourage the public to join us for this unique occasion."
Each year, The Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic brings together dozens of celebrities, local and national sponsors, and over 300 volunteers to raise money for cancer research. This year’s sponsors and celebrities will gather in Raleigh at the Lonnie Poole Golf Course on the Centennial Campus of NC State University to raise funds for The V Foundation of Cancer Research. To find out more about the Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic and how you can get involved, log onto www.golfclassic.org or call 919-319-0441.
About The V Foundation for Cancer Research
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, The Foundation has raised more than $95 million to fund cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs. The Foundation, which has received seven consecutive top 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator, awards grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Board. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.
About Implus Corporation
Headquartered in North Carolina's Research Triangle Park, Implus has evolved to become an innovative leader in "below the ankle" footwear and outdoor accessories. Implus' brand families include well-respected industry product names Sof Sole®, Yaktrax®, apara®, Airplus®, Sneaker Balls®, Sof Comfort®, Granger's®, Little Hotties® and Highgear®. From insoles to performance socks to shoe care to navigational tools and accessories, Implus proudly distributes in over 75,000 retail outlets across North America and in 65 countries worldwide. For more information, please call (800) 446-7587 or visit www.implus.com.