SGB Update Sports & Fitness
Planet Fitness Secures Health-Safety Rating For Facility Operations
Planet Fitness said it has become the first fitness brand to achieve the WELL Health-Safety Rating for Facility Operations and Management by the International WELL Building Institute.
Compass Diversified Appoints Board Member
Compass Diversified announced that Alex Bhathal has been appointed to its Board of Directors. With Bhathal’s appointment, the Board will expand to nine directors.

Escalade To Acquire Brunswick Billiards
Escalade Inc. announced the signing of a definitive agreement to purchase the assets of the Brunswick Billiards business from Life Fitness, LLC, a portfolio company of KPS Capital Partners, LP.
Life Time Fitness Survey Finds More Positive Outlook On Health And Fitness Habits
Life Time’s annual year-end survey found that 40 percent of respondents indicated their health was better in 2021 compared to 2020 versus 23 percent who said their health had gotten worse. This is a significant improvement from Life Time’s 2020 survey when nearly 70 percent of respondents reported that their health had been negatively impacted.

CES Scales Back Tech Trade Show To Three Days
CES 2022, consumer technology’s largest trade show, has shifted to a three-day show from four days as a safety measure amid concerns about rising COVID variant infection rates. The Las Vegas event will run from January 5-7.
Texworld New York Shifts To Virtual-Only Show
The Winter 2022 edition of Texworld New York City and Apparel Sourcing New York City trade shows, scheduled to run January 25-27, has moved to online-only following the nationwide rise in COVID variant cases.
AstroTurf Corp. Hires Laykold, Rekortan Brand Manager
AstroTurf Corporation, the manufacturer of sports and recreational surfaces, appointed Luke Burden as brand manager for Laykold courts and Rekortan tracks.

Happy New Year!
SGB Media wishes all the best to you and your family as we head into 2022. We look forward to working together throughout the upcoming New Year!

New Balance Sued For Exaggerating Claims On Its ‘Made In USA’ Sneakers
New Balance is being sued for falsely marketing its sneakers as being “Made In the USA,” according to The Fashion Law.
Canadian Pacific Announces Contract Extension With Canadian Tire Corporation
Canadian Pacific and Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited, the parent of SportChek, announced a multi-year agreement to continue moving the retailer’s goods in Canada.

Wearable Technology Named Top Fitness Trend For 2022
With more people turning to their smartwatch or fitness tracker to monitor exercise and sleep quality, it’s not surprising that 4,500 health and fitness pros surveyed by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) identified wearable tech as the new top trend in fitness for 2022. Rounding out the top-five were home exercise gyms, outdoor activities, strength training with free weights and exercise for weight loss.
On Launches Kenya-Based Trail Running Team
Swiss running brand On has launched Milimani Runners, an elite trail running team based in Iten, Kenya.

Nike Unite To Open In Orlando
A Nike Unite store is set to open at Waterford Lakes Town Center in Orlando, FL according to the Orlando Sentinel.
REI Expands Technology Leadership Team
REI Co-op announced it has expanded its technology leadership team with two new vice presidents. Analyn Nouri was hired as vice president of platform engineering and the retailer promoted 15-year employee Todd Wilson to vice president of product engineering.
Pickelball Central Receives Majority Investment
Pickleball Central announced a majority investment from Dallas, TX-based investment firm Dundon Capital Partners LLC.