March 7, 2008

For immediate release:
Staci Schottman, NAIA Director of Public Relations & Communications, 816-595-8116

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced today that Tachikara U.S.A., Inc. will continue their status as the "Official Volleyball Supplier of the NAIA" for women's volleyball effective through December 2012. Tachikara has been an integral part of every NAIA Women's Volleyball National Championship since the sport was added in 1980. As part of the sponsorship Tachikara will also provide support for the NAIA Men's Volleyball Invitational Tournament.  

"Tachikara is a special partner and supporter of the NAIA and consistently delivers quality products and exceptional customer service to our member institutions," said Mike Campbell, NAIA Vice President for Marketing and Corporate Partnerships. "I would like to thank Tachikara for its support of character driven intercollegiate athletics. I am proud of our rewarding partnership."

The Tachikara SV-5W is the "Official Volleyball of the NAIA" and will be featured at each NAIA women's volleyball national championship event. This partnership designates Tachikara as the presenting sponsor for the NAIA Women's Volleyball Banquet of Champions, National Championship All-Tournament Team, National Championship Most Valuable Player and All-America team awards. In the agreement, Tachikara will be the title sponsor of the Men's Volleyball National Poll and the presenting sponsor of the NAIA Men's Volleyball Invitational All-Tournament Team, as well as all other awards presented.

"We at Tachikara are excited to once again be associated with such a reputable organization like the NAIA and to take this partnership into its third decade," said Chris Morton, Tachikara Marketing and Advertising Manager. "The NAIA has consistently provided competitive athletic competition at a national level with a high level of character and integrity.  We are pleased to be a part of it."

A leader in NAIA volleyball, Tachikara is the world leader in advanced manufacturing methods and innovative materials for athletic balls. The company was established in 1915 and incorporated in 1920. In 1952, Tachikara revitalized the sporting goods industry with new technology to produce a seamless ball. It was in this year that Tachikara endeavored to set itself apart from the status quo of asymmetrical hand-stitched balls being produced by others in that period to pioneer their proprietary Single Unit Construction method for manufacturing of athletic balls to improve the spherical shape, air retention, rebound, and overall durability. Tachikara's relentless pursuit to perfect a symmetrical and responsive ball has further positioned the company as a true leader in advanced designs and technology while elevating the brand to a respected and empowered position within the industry.

Tachikara is committed to the NAIA and putting collegiate grade product in the hands of its top student-athletes. The company stays on the cutting-edge of design, manufacturing, materials and supply of innovative and quality products with unparalleled values always with avid players in mind.

Tachikara's got the ball. You bring the game. To learn more visit www.tachikara.com. To learn more about NAIA corporate partnership opportunities contact Mike Campbell at mcampbell@naia.org or visit www.naia.org. 

NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is the governing body for athletics programs at its nearly 300 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The long-held mission of the NAIA is to promote the education and development of well-rounded students and productive citizens through intercollegiate athletics. The association offers equitable access and opportunities for participation in its 23 national championship events held annually throughout the country.

Today, the NAIA strengthens its commitment to student-athletes and strives to enrich their college experience by supporting academic achievement and character development. NAIA Champions of Character is the association's innovative flagship program designed to instill character values in student-athletes, coaches and youth in the communities it serves.