CHICAGO (DECEMBER 10, 2007) —
rEvolution, the Chicago-based integrated sports marketing and media services agency, announces that they will produce the 2008 Opens Freeski on behalf of John Paul Mitchell Systems, makers of Paul Mitchell Professional Salon Products. Opens Freeski, formerly the Paul Mitchell American Freeski Tour, is a newly sanctioned platform of freeski events, providing high level competitions in half pipe and slopestyle for men and women. 2008 Opens Freeski events are scheduled as follows:
February 23-24 Breckenridge Open, Breckenridge Resort, Breckenridge, Colo.
March 8-9 Big Bear Open, Bear Mountain Resort, Big Bear Lake, Calif.
March 22-23 Mount Snow Open, Mount Snow Resorts, West Dover, Vt.
“Paul Mitchell has a long history of supporting lifestyle sports and emerging athletes” says Julie Solwold, Vice President Sports Marketing, John Paul Mitchell Systems. “Our commitment to the Opens Freeski continues that important legacy.”
“Freeskiing is emerging as one of the hottest winter sports helping to drive skiing back to the youth audience,” said Craig Elledge, vice president, rEvolution. “Producing these events addresses the objectives of both Paul Mitchell and USSA, making the Opens Freeski a valuable, development pipeline in providing a professional competitive experience for rising elite athletes and teaching them to be champions.”
The 2008 Opens Freeski events are the first ever (USSA) sanctioned freeskiing events that are not produced by the USSA. This sanctioning allows for Opens Freeski competitors to qualify to participate in the FIS World Cup as well as other elite FIS international and USSA national freeskiing events. Additionally, top finishers from Opens Freeski will also be qualified for halfpipe competition at the “Jeep King of the Mountain” series of freeskiing events in 2009.
“It’s very exciting to have the opportunity to establish new partnerships in our sport,” said Polly Jo Clark, freestyle program director, USSA. “We all know that there is a large group of athletes and officials involved in halfpipe who are not a part of the USSA system. They have a lot to offer the sport in terms of growth and advancement and together we can accomplish great things.”
John Paul Mitchell Systems has been an avid supporter of freeskiing since 2004. They are providing the opportunity for other youth brands to participate in Open’s Freeski. Confirmed product sponsors of 2008 Opens Freeski include Spyder and Freeskier magazine. All Opens Freeski events will be televised on Fuel TV, the only action sports network in the United States. Fuel TV is a part of Fox Cable Networks.
Each Opens Freeski event will have a $20,000 event purse paying through all athletes who make the finals. Athletes will be required to be members of the USSA to compete in Opens Freeski events. Opens Freeski is designed and produced by rEvolution, an independent sports marketing and media agency. More Opens Freeski event and registration information can be found online at www.OpensFreeski.com.
About John Paul Mitchell Systems
John Paul Mitchell Systems, manufacturer of salon-only professional hair care products, has been serving the professional beauty industry for 25 years. The company currently produces over 90 products (including the brands Paul Mitchell®, Modern Elixirs®, The Tea Tree Collection, Paul Mitchell LAB™, PM SHINES® and Paul Mitchell the color®). All John Paul Mitchell Systems hair and skin care products are manufactured within the United States. John Paul Mitchell Systems products are sold through 25 distributors within the United States to approximately 90,000 hair salons. Internationally, John Paul Mitchell Systems works with distributors in 45 countries that supply thousands of hair salons. The company does not test its products on animals nor has it ever tested its products on animals.
About rEvolution
rEvolution is an independent and fully-integrated sports marketing and media services agency. Chicago-based with an international vision and reputation, rEvolution joins forces with its clients in creating and implementing innovative business-building marketing programs through sport. rEvolution’s integrated services environment includes: sponsorship, media buying and planning, promotion, event management, hospitality, mobile marketing, software solutions, research and measurement. rEvolution’s team of industry experts specialize in action/youth sports, collegiate sports, international sports, lifestyle sports, motorsports, and professional sports. More information about rEvolution and the unique experiences created and executed for corporations is available at www.revolutionworld.com.
