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Friction Gloves Named Official Glove of the U.S. National Team

Colorado Springs, Colo. (Jan. 24, 2017)—USA Ultimate announced today a partnership with Friction Gloves, making them the Official Glove of the U.S. National Team through 2018.

The two-year, multi-layered sponsorship agreement includes the exclusive use of Friction Gloves by U.S. National Team athletes at select tournaments, the production and sale of officially licensed merchandise, an exclusive USA Ultimate member discount and other benefits.

As part of the deal, Friction Gloves will produce a U.S. National Team glove consistent with the design elements of the team uniform. Each athlete representing the United States at the 2017 IWGA World Games, 2018 WFDF World Under-24 Ultimate Championships and 2018 WFDF World Junior Ultimate Championships will receive a complimentary pair of gloves along with their official team kit.

“We are proud to partner with USA Ultimate and become the Official Glove of the National Teams,” expressed Friction Gloves Founder Chris Hancock. “The U.S. National Teams represent the most talented group of players in the world, and we look forward to providing them with the best gloves in the sport.”

Friction Gloves pioneered the ultimate glove industry and is the number-one ultimate glove company in the world. Started in 2012, Friction is now producing their third generation of gloves, improving the design and durability each time.

“We’re honored to have the support of Friction Gloves on a variety of different levels,” commented Andy Lee, USA Ultimate Director of Marketing & Communications. “From the support of our elite athletes to a tangible member benefit and a branding and merchandise opportunity, this is truly an inclusive partnership.”

As the U.S. Olympic Committee-recognized national governing body for the sport of ultimate in the United States, USA Ultimate is responsible for the identification, selection, training and preparation of athletes who aspire to represent their country on the international stage. Currently, this includes the IWGA World Games, the WFDF World Ultimate & Guts Championships, World Junior Ultimate Championships, World U-24 Ultimate Championships, World Championships of Beach Ultimate and the inaugural ANOC World Beach Games in 2019.

At the most recent iterations of these events, the U.S. National Team posted a combined 138-3 record, winning 18 medals in the 18 available divisions; including 15 gold, two silver and one bronze.

“The recent success and visibility garnered by the U.S. National Team, paired with the growing global footprint of our sport, provides Friction Gloves with a solid platform on which to build their brand,” continued Lee. “We’re hopeful that Friction Gloves will enhance the competitive advantage of our athlete, and that, in return, they’ll be able to provide valuable feedback necessary for continued refinements and improvements to the product.”

The U.S. National Team glove will be available for purchase by athletes and fans this spring, while details of the exclusive USA Ultimate member discount on all Friction Gloves will be announced soon.

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