Adidas Outdoors, which is reentering the U.S. market next fall, has signed up as presenting sponsor for the Outdoor Industry Association Outdoor Inspiration Awards, which will recognize efforts to rouse additional participation in outdoor activities and be awarded at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market show in January.


The OIA Outdoor Inspiration Awards presented by Adidas Outdoor will highlight efforts that foster the enjoyment of, participation in and support for outdoor activities. Individual efforts will be considered and lauded alongside larger group and community-wide efforts as well as company initiatives, as the Outdoor Inspiration Awards are all-inclusive.

“Inspiration is not confined by size, purpose or background. It is defined only by its impact on others,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of Outdoor Industry Association. “With the support of adidas Outdoor, we’re hoping to shine a light on those people and programs that inspire ever-greater participation in outdoor activities.”


The Outdoor Inspiration Awards will focus on the personal stories of achievement, encouragement and insight that truly stand above the crowd. Winners will receive a product package or donation from adidas Outdoor and a world-renowned mountaineer will be presenting the awards to the winners at a celebration on Friday, Jan. 21 at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in Salt Lake City, Utah.


Nominations for the Outdoor Inspiration Awards can come from anywhere and point towards individual efforts (like those of employees, volunteers, athletes, teachers, etc.) where one person has motivated and inspired others to enjoy, participate in and support outdoor activities.


“Group” nominations can include whole communities, schools, fund-raising groups, guide services, etc. where two or more people have joined to get great things done, and get even better things started.

 

Company nominees are heralded for their dedication to outdoor efforts that have a commercial or business-oriented framework. Nomination forms are available at http://www.outdoorindustry.org/inspire, with all nominations due December 27, 2010.

“We are honored to be a part of the Outdoor Inspiration Awards as Adidas draws its inspiration from the world’s extraordinary athletes,” said Greg Thomsen, managing director for Adidas Outdoor, the sponsor behind the OIA Outdoor Inspiration awards. “As adidas Outdoor readies its introduction to the U.S. in 2011, we are proud to kick off the year by honoring inspirational individuals because we are driven every day by our own passionate commitment to outdoor activity and recreation.”


Nominations for the OIA Outdoor Inspiration Awards are being accepted electronically at awards@outdoorindustry.org or via fax at 303.444.3284 until 6:00 PM ET on December 27, 2010. Only those nominations that comply with the submission requirements will be considered. Winners will be notified in early January 2011 with the formal awards celebration taking place on January 21, 2011 in Salt Lake City.