10.06.2003 ET

(CSRwire) NEW YORK, NY -- Students, administrators and community members of Thomas Jefferson High School in East Brooklyn, New York, woke up early on Saturday morning to gather at the school's running track where Nike officials joined them to dedicate their newly refurbished, state-of-the-art 400-meter facility.

The renovations to the existing track were made possible in part by a $50,000 grant to the school from Nike's Bowerman Track Renovation Program. The program is a tribute to the company's co-founder and legendary University of Oregon track and field coach, the late Bill Bowerman, and is also an integral part of the company's ongoing efforts to increase physical activity among youth through its signature U.S. community affairs initiative, NikeGO.

"The members of the Thomas Jefferson High School community are honored to have Nike's support and recognition of our track and field program," said Margo Mckenzie, Thomas Jefferson High School's Principal as she unveiled the track's plaque displaying a picture of Bill Bowerman. "We appreciate this connection to the Bowerman legacy and the inspiration it will bring to the athletes who will compete here in the many years to come."

The track at Thomas Jefferson High School was refurbished with a Spectrum track surface. Youth and community runners will make the new track their home, along with the Thomas Jefferson High School's Track and Field team, which aims to continue its long tradition of excellence with the track's anticipated revitalization now complete.

"Nike is extremely pleased that this renovation will have a positive impact on so many young people in East Brooklyn," said Robert T. Speltz, Nike's Global Community Affairs Director of the recent track renovation. "The Bowerman Track Renovation Program continues to help shape young runners' experiences in the sport of track and field, and we believe that he would be especially proud of this latest addition to the program named in his honor."

About Bill Bowerman

The Bowerman Track Renovation Program is a tribute to Bill Bowerman's spirit and lifetime contributions to the sport of running. Bowerman was the University of Oregon track coach from 1949-1972; co-founded Nike; revolutionized the running shoe; turned the college town of Eugene, Oregon, into the running capital of the world; and introduced the U.S. to the importance of jogging and fitness. The Bowerman Track Renovation Program provides matching cash grants to community-based, youth-oriented organizations that seek to refurbish or construct running tracks. Nike will contribute a total of $1 million to the Bowerman Track Renovation Program for the refurbishment or construction or youth-oriented track and field facilities around the world.

Since the program was founded in 1999, Bowerman grants have been awarded to 17 locations: Oregon schools in Bend, Boardman, Canby, Colton, Coos Bay, Culver, Klamath Falls, Rogue River and Stayton, and nationwide recipients in Aptos, California; Culver City, California; Kansas City, Kansas; Talequah, Oklahoma; Freeport, Maine; Battle Ground, Washington; Willingboro, New Jersey; and Brooklyn, New York. For more information about Bill Bowerman and the Track Renovation program, visit www.nikebiz.com.

About NikeGO

NikeGO is Nike's signature U.S. community affairs initiative and the company's long-term commitment to getting kids more physically active. The program's mission is to increase physical activity in youth ages 8-15, offering them the support and motivation to become physically active, stay healthy and have fun. Nike committed more than $10 million last year in cash and products to get kids moving and will match the amount in the current year through programs such as PE2GO. Visit www.nikego.com for additional information.

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