SPALDING LOOKS TO INSPIRE AND EDUCATE DURING NBA ALL-STAR 2008

NEW ORLEANS (February 11, 2008) —Showcasing the game of basketball as a motivational and inspirational force, Spalding, the world′s leading basketball equipment provider and official basketball of the NBA, will conduct a number of on-the-ground initiatives in conjunction with NBA All Star 2008 and NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas in New Orleans.

Spalding is hosting educational forums with the Westbank Boys & Girls Club, sponsoring a court refurbishment and creating interactive promotions leading up to and running through NBA All-Star 2008, February 14-17.

Court Refurbishment At McDonough Park: Spalding, in conjunction with NBA Cares, Gatorade and the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD), will overhaul this community-based court, which will feature two new top of the line Spalding backboard systems. Spalding will also outfit this court that is used for recreational play and leagues with NEVER FLAT basketballs and ball carts. The project renovation is expected to be completed in March..

Spalding at NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas: Spalding will have a full basketball court within NBA All-Star Jam Session encouraging fans to participate in two activities:

• Make a Basket, Make a Difference: Spalding and Russell, Spalding′s parent company, are committing up to $25,000 in product (inflatable goods and sports apparel) to the New Orleans Community through its a &"Make a Basket, Make a Difference" program. Fans can test their skills while contributing to the community. For every basket a fan makes, a dollar denomination will be recorded and Spalding will make that donation to the community; $1 (for a lay-up), $2 (for free throws) and $3 (for three-pointers). NBA and WNBA players and NBA Legends are expected to make appearances and contribute to the cause.


• Spalding Design a Ball: As part of Spalding′s in the Classroom and On the Court activities, fans can share their artistic talents by designing a Spalding basketball on a stenciled sheet. Judges will select three winners (age groups: under 10, 11-16 and 17 – older) and each will be awarded a Spalding BEAST portable basketball system (MSRP: $1,000). The top design will be replicated and sold at the NBA Store.

Spalding's Beast Mobile/Product Giveaways: A Spalding "BEAST Mobile" Toyota Tundra truck (photo available) will travel throughout the streets of New Orleans during the week of NBA All-Star to share the game of basketball with the community. Spalding′s "BEAST Mobile" will be piled high with a truck full of NEVER FLAT basketballs. Spalding ambassadors will drive around the communities and hand out Spalding′s NEVER FLAT basketballs to fans of the game. The truck, provided by Toyota, will showcase Spalding′s portable BEAST backboard, which will be towed behind the vehicle. Spalding also plans to donate 700 of its top selling NEVER FLAT basketballs to the communities within New Orleans. Toyota is the official vehicle of NBA All-Star 2008.

The Boys & Girls Club of Gretna, La. will be treated to a basketball presentation by organizers of "SHOOT THE BALL," a Spalding sponsored initiative. In an effort to unify cultures and create a sense of global community, Spalding has invited Angelina & Noel Andreoni to share their worldwide travels where they have taken one SPALDING basketball around the globe over the last six years and have asked people they meet to "SHOOT THE BALL." From Las Vegas Cocktail Waitress & Valet Attendant to International Ambassadors, the Andreoni′s created the project to encompass their passions: basketball, photography, writing, travel and culture.

"SHOOT THE BALL" began when Noel drained the first shot in Las Vegas, NV, May 25th, 2001. Angelina followed shortly after with a shot at the base of Mt. Fuji in Japan. Since then THE BALL has been shot by thousands of people and one Asian elephant in hundreds of cities spanning 28 countries and including all 50 U.S. States. People have participated in places as distant as Easter Island, China and Scandinavia and now the boys and girls at the Boys & Girl′s Clubs of Gretna will hear their story February 11 and February 13 and have the opportunity to "Shoot the Ball."

In addition, the students will also participate in Spalding′s Design a Basketball program and can officially enter by either submitting their entries at the Boys & Girls Clubs or bringing them to NBA All-Star Jam Session. Three winners will be selected and awarded Spalding′s portable BEAST basketball system, a $1,000 unit.

About Spalding
As a Division of Russell Corporation, the Spalding Group consists of three business units: Spalding in Springfield, MA; American Athletic, Inc. (AAI) in Jefferson, IA; and Huffy Sports, in Sussex, WI. The three companies, collectively combined, are now the largest basketball equipment supplier in the world. Spalding is the official basketball supplier of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), the official backboard of the NBA and NCAA, the official volleyball of the King of the Beach Volleyball Tour and the official football of the Arena Football League (AFL) and Pop Warner. For more information, visit www.spalding.com.