Timbuk2 was named the winner of the company category at the fourth annual Outdoor Inspiration Awards for its unflinching advocacy of cycling. The award also honored a non-profit and individual and bestowed a Lifetime Achievement Award on alpinist Jeff Lowe during a special recognition event during the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market Jan. 25.



Created by Adidas Outdoor, the Outdoor Inspiration Awards recognize individuals, groups and companies whose efforts are breaking new ground and encouraging others to participate in outdoor activities. Adidas Outdoor hosted a special recognition event at the Salt Palace Convention Cente during the show.

 

Lowe, who is known for his visionary climbs and first ascents established in the US and Canadian Rockies, Alps and Himalayas, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Lowe. In 2004, the American alpinist had to give up climbing and now continues his passion for climbing through Ogden Climbing Parks. His goal is to promote and develop the climbing potential around his home town of Ogden, UT. In addition, he runs programs enabling underprivileged children and those with disabilities to enjoy the climbing experience.

 

 

“This year’s winners are incredible brand ambassadors for our industry,” said Greg Thomsen, managing director, Adidas Outdoor USA. “Each has found the time to impart the amazing benefits of outdoor pursuits and have made us a better community. Jeff is an inspiration to all of us, as he finds the strength to battle his challenges today. We thank them for their absolution devotion and commitment. It is always especially tough to choose finalists because all the nominees are all heroes in their own right.”

 

 

The 2014 Outdoor Inspiration Award Winners Are:


  • Company Winner — Timbuk2: Timbuk2, a San Francisco-based company, pioneered the messenger bag in 1989. Since its inception, the company has been a supporter of Bike to Work Month on a national scale each May. Timbuk2’s involvement in Bike to Work Day reflects the company’s unremitting dedication to promoting the positive benefits of cycling on individuals, communities, and the environment. Timbuk2 Bike to Work Month activities this May 2013 included: Bike to Work Day Energizer Stations, Bike to Work Day Instagram Contest, a Bianchi x Timbuk2 Limited Edition Bag which honors Timbuk2’s unique bike heritage and allegiance to two-wheeled machines. GoPro Bike Commuting Videos, a Facebook Sweepstake and ended the awareness campaign by exhibiting at the Bike Expo New York.

  • Group Winner — NOLS: Expedition Denali: Expedition Denali inspires youth of color to get outside, get active, and become stewards of our wild places. The team inspires children to take on outdoor pursuits, be it recreation, education, policy, conservation, land management, or government. The first ever All-African-American climbing team climbed Denali this past year in an effort to spread diversity in the outdoors, critical if the outdoor industry and the environment is to be important to people of future generations.

  • Individual Winner –Timmy O'Neill: Co-founder of Paradox Sports, Timmy O’Neill is changing the lives of adaptive athletes and war-ravaged veterans with opportunities like climbing the Grand Teton, paddling the Colorado River or scaling El Capitan. In the last year, O’Neill has ferried Paradox to new heights, with record participation and fundraising. He studied to be an ophthalmic tech in Katmandu and travels every year to Africa to help a team of doctors restore sight to the blind. A professional climber and kayaker, Timmy has turned his passion for the outdoors into avenues for elevating others and championing the downtrodden. “Timmy changes people's trajectories, said Jason Blevins of the Denver Post. “He shows them a better way, using laughter, rocks, rivers and mountains as his tools.”

 

“The class of 2014 Outdoor Inspiration Award winners truly have a love for exploring the outdoors and use their passion to impact and change people’s lives,” said Kenji Haroutunian, Emerald Expo Outdoor group vice president and OR show director. “We are pleased to celebrate each winner’s accomplishments. Their work and achievement represents outstanding examples of the tenacity it takes to set and accomplish goals and celebrates their noble mission to share their passion with others.”

Nominations, submitted through the OR and OIA websites, were selected based on inspiration criteria for individuals and groups – impact, creativity, service, technology, philanthropy, engagement, longevity, sustainability, activities, and awareness.


Other sponsors include Boy Scouts of America and Litle & Co.