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From: Sharon Barbano, Vice President, Public Relations, Saucony, Inc.,
The Ryan Shay Memorial Fund, Ryan Shay Product Creation Center and the Shay XC Shoe are unveiled
LEXINGTON, Mass. - (April 17, 2008) - Saucony, Inc., a subsidiary of Collective Brands, Inc. (NYSE: PSS), and a leading global supplier of performance athletic footwear and apparel, hosted a tribute at the brand's headquarters at The Stride Rite Corporation in Lexington to honor Ryan Shay, a longtime friend and Saucony sponsored athlete. Ryan Shay tragically passed away during the 2008 U.S. Men's Olympic Marathon Trials in New York City this past November. Saucony and Stride Rite associates welcomed Ryan's wife and Saucony athlete Alicia Shay for the official launch of the Ryan Shay Memorial Fund, the unveiling of the Ryan Shay Product Creation Center at Saucony and the introduction of the new Saucony Shay XC Shoe.
To honor Ryan's passion to help those in need, Alicia Shay established the Ryan Shay Memorial Fund. The fund will support Ryan's vision to help disadvantaged individuals, groups and communities, as well and American distance runners in financial need. Saucony demonstrated their loyalty to both the sport and Ryan and Alicia Shay by making an immediate donation to the Fund. Individuals interested in making a tax deductible donation to the Ryan Shay Memorial Fund can send donations to: Alicia Shay, 780 Ponderosa Parkway, Flagstaff, AZ 86001.
"Ryan touched people's lives in so many ways," said Alicia Shay. "His dream was to help make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged people and communities. He was also passionate and loyal to his fellow American runners and wanted those in financial need to have the support so they could remain focused on their training," she added.
As a tribute to Ryan, Saucony dedicated a portion of its product creation and design center to Ryan's memory. In life, Ryan's dedication to the sport inspired the Saucony team and the entire running community and now in spirit, Ryan will provide the Saucony design team with the motivation to continually create performance footwear and apparel that helps runners push their limits.
"When we were thinking about a permanent way to honor Ryan, it became clear that the inspiration he brought to the product creation team was to be enduring," said Richie Woodworth, president of Saucony. "The team felt that the best way to capture Ryan's energy and inspiration was to lend his name to the place where they work every day, creating the best running shoes they possibly can," added Woodworth.
In addition, Saucony unveiled the new Shay XC, a cross-country running shoe designed to commemorate Ryan's legacy and love for the sport of cross country. The Shay XC will be available at specialty retail stores in June 2008.
Attendees also had the opportunity to meet Alicia Shay, Ryan's brother Nathan Shay, his sisters Jodie Kleymeer and Sarah Mittanck, as well as members of the Saucony executive and design teams.
About Saucony, Inc.
Saucony, Inc., a subsidiary of Collective Brands, Inc., is a leading global supplier of performance athletic footwear and apparel with its widely recognized brands Saucony and Saucony Originals. For more information, go to: Saucony.com
Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director
(805) 696-6232; Fax = (805) 659-0016
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.RunningUSA.org.
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