Nov. 6, 2008

For Immediate Release
Contact: Chad Waller, NAIA Director of Sports Information & Media Services

NAIA Merchandise Store | Click Here

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and Fine Designs Imprinted Sportswear Inc. the “Official Merchandiser of the NAIA,” have launched an on-line store, announced today (Nov. 6). The website, which can be accessed here, can also be found on the official NAIA website at www.NAIA.org and clicking the “NAIA Store” button on the right side.

Fans can now purchase official NAIA merchandise, including polo’s, t-shirts and sweatshirts as well as Championship-event apparel, through an on-line store. The on-line store currently features opportunities to purchase Fall Championship items. All other Championship-event apparel will be available for purchase on the website in the near future.

Fine Designs will host an online NAIA store for Association and event merchandise sales year round. The on-line user needs to set up an account and can pay by credit card or PayPal account.

The official agreement with Fine Designs was announced in early September (view press release) and is effective through 2010. Fine Designs will work with the NAIA national office, sports committees, member institutions and local host committees to produce the highest quality souvenir and event merchandise at the Association's 23 national championship events. Fine Designs participation will support the NAIA's tradition of producing memorable championship experiences for student-athletes, coaches and fans.

“The NAIA is excited to provide NAIA membership and fans the opportunity to purchase NAIA merchandise year round through the NAIA store,” said Lori Thomas, NAIA Vice President for Championships. “Fine Designs, the NAIA’s official merchandiser, will not only sell products online year round, but merchandise from NAIA championships will be available before and after the event takes place. Many coaches, parents and fans have requested this service in the past and the NAIA and Fine Designs are pleased now to offer merchandise and apparel online.”

Fine Designs Imprinted Sportswear has been servicing sports events nationally and internationally since 1990, and is the largest and most widespread company specializing in on-site, custom-made apparel. Fine Designs trained and helpful staff will sell NAIA merchandise at every national championship tournament and at the Association's annual convention. With a talented staff and professional graphic design team, tournament hosts will have the opportunity to work with Fine Designs to create event logos and customized products that will add to the prestige each event.

“Fine Designs Imprinted Sportswear is excited to be able to offer NAIA membership family and its fans the opportunity to purchase NAIA branded along with National Championship merchandise through the NAIA Online Store,” said Mike Janssen, Fine Designs Director of National Sales and Development. “This new opportunity for the NAIA will allow its many diverse stakeholders to purchase NAIA official merchandise from the comfort of their home or office anywhere in the United States.”

To learn more about Fine Designs Imprinted Sportswear, Inc. visit www.finedesignsinc.com. To learn more about the partnership contact Lori Thomas, NAIA Vice President of Championships, at 816-595-8000.

About the NAIA

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, is the governing body for athletics programs at its nearly 300 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The long-held mission of the NAIA is to promote the education and development of well-rounded students and productive citizens through intercollegiate athletics. The Association offers equitable access and opportunities for participation in its 23 national championship events held annually throughout the country.

Today, the NAIA strengthens its commitment to student-athletes and strives to enrich their college experience by supporting academic achievement and character development. NAIA Champions of Character is the association's innovative flagship program designed to instill character values in student-athletes, coaches and youth in the communities it serves. To learn more visit www.NAIA.org.