ORONO, Maine – The University of Maine has announced that it has entered a new, seven-year agreement with New Balance Athletics as the official footwear and apparel provider for the Black Bears.
"To reach our goal of becoming a top 5 Division I athletics department in greater New England, we need to align ourselves with like-minded organizations with common core values," said Director of Athletics Jude Killy. "New Balance is exactly that; a strong brand with deep roots in Maine that shares our commitment to excellence and connection to community. We are excited to continue our long-standing relationship with New Balance and to push forward together into the future."
The footwear and apparel agreement continues the commitment by New Balance to provide uniforms, apparel, accessories, and footwear to Maine's 17 varsity programs.
"At New Balance, we believe in the power of sport and craftsmanship to drive positive change and build stronger communities. With our deep Maine roots, we're excited to extend our relationship with the University of Maine, an institution that shares our purpose-based values," said Ray Hilvert, Vice President, Field of Play at New Balance. "Maine Athletics is dedicated to developing student-athletes with integrity who excel in both competition and in their communities. We are proud that our continued collaboration with Jude Killy and his team will further support Black Bear student-athletes and strengthen the campus community."
New Balance recently announced its continued commitment to the Black Bears through a $7 million gift to support the construction of a state-of-the-art New Balance Track & Field and Soccer Complex. The $7 million gift was the second major gift made by New Balance to Maine Athletics as the company made a $5 million commitment in 2011 with a portion of the gift going to support renovations to the New Balance Field House. The 2011 contribution also aided the development of the New Balance Student Recreation and Fitness Center.
In addition, a New Balance Future Scholars fund was established through the $7 million gift at the University of Maine Foundation to provide financial assistance to deserving students who are graduates of Skowhegan Area H.S. and Oxford Hills Comprehensive H.S. and attending any University of Maine System campus. A preference is given to children of current New Balance associates with community service highlighted in the selection process.
New Balance support has significantly advanced The University of Maine's fundraising campaign to meet the challenge grant for UMaine athletics as part of the UMS TRANSFORMS initiative, funded by the Harold Alfond Foundation.
Based in Boston, New Balance is a leading global athletic brand that proudly owns three athletic footwear manufacturing facilities in the Maine towns of Norridgewock, Norway and Skowhegan.
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As the state's only Division I program, UMaine Athletics is committed to developing high-character champions filled with pride and integrity who are dedicated to excellence in the classroom and in competition. We strive to unite our community by mirroring the state's deep rooted commitment to perseverance, hard work and meaningful impact in all of our endeavors. By intentionally fostering a diverse, welcoming environment, Black Bear athletics is dedicated to equipping the next generation of leaders for success after sport.
About New Balance
New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA, has the following purpose: Independent since 1906, we empower people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. New Balance employs 9,000 associates around the globe, and in 2023 reported worldwide sales of $6.5 billion. New Balance owns five athletic footwear factories in New England and one in Flimby, U.K. New Balance MADE U.S. footwear contains a domestic value of 70% or more and makes up a limited portion of New Balance's U.S. sales. To learn more about New Balance, please visit www.newbalance.com; for the latest press information visit http://newbalance.newsmarket.com.
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