Posted: February 6, 2004

Athletics: Toyo Tires And Athletics Canada Join Forces

(February 6, 2004) – Athletics Canada and Toyo Tires are pleased to announce a new sponsorship agreement which will see Toyo as an official associate sponsor of Canada’s national track and field team leading into the 2004 Olympic Games.

“We’re delighted to welcome Toyo Tires as the latest corporate partner for Canadian athletics,” says Athletics Canada Chairman, Jean Guy Ouellette. “Both of our organizations are in the business of taking performance to new heights and Toyo’s support of our athletes will definitely help in our team’s preparation for strong results in Athens.”

“We’re thrilled to be able to work with Athletics Canada,” says Bruce Bridgman of Toyo Tires. “In many ways the Toyo slogan DRIVEN TO PERFORM dovetails well with the credo personified by all athletes at the international level. In conjunction with our Canadian dealer network it is our intention to provide as much support as possible to these men and women who have made the commitment to devote incredible time and energy to their quest for excellence”

“Partnerships are more than just dollars,” says Alex Gardiner, head coach and chief technical officer of Athletics Canada. “When athletes know they are being recognized, encouraged and appreciated, they are able to prepare better and perform better. We are excited to have a new member --Toyo -- join our team!”

To promote the new partnership, Toyo will be conducting a spring retail sales campaign featuring posters and television spots with the image of a high jumper in action along with the tag line: “taking performance to new heights.” As well, Toyo will be conducting a sweepstakes draw for a trip for four to see the Canadian track and field team perform in Athens this summer.

Toyo manufactures and distributes a complete line of premium passenger car, light truck and commercial truck tires for both the original equipment and replacement markets.

Athletics Canada is the national sport governing body for the sport of track and field including cross-country running and road running. Its purpose is to support high performance athletics excellence at the world level and to provide leadership in developmental athletics. Athletics Canada is a not for profit, charitable organization operating under a board of directors elected by provincial / territorial members.

The Athletics Canada website is at: www.athletics.ca.