MINNEAPOLIS (Sept. 2, 2004) - FLW Outdoors and Solar Bat, maker of polarized sunglasses, announced today a long-term renewal of Solar Bat's sponsorship of FLW Outdoors' tournament trails. Solar Bat's polarized sunglasses are the official polarized sunglasses of the Wal-Mart FLW Tour.
The company's target audience is the more than 52 million anglers in America who head to the water each year. Solar Bat sunglasses - designed by optometrist Dr. Gary Nesty, who also competes as a co-angler on the FLW Tour - were created with the competitive angler in mind. Outdoor enthusiasts benefit from the lighter weight and comfort of Solar Bat sunglasses as well as the polarized lenses that protect them from harmful ultraviolet rays that are reflected off the water.
"Our partnership with FLW Outdoors is a natural fit and has enabled us to reach our target audience," Nesty said. "With our product, anglers are able to maximize their performance while blocking out all harmful UV wavelengths and eliminating eye strain."
Through its sponsorship, Solar Bat also participates in a contingency-award program for all FLW Tour events. The champion of the event who meets the program requirements - wearing Solar Bat sunglasses and the Solar Bat logo patch - will receive a $1,000 bonus. Solar Bat's sponsorship allows the company to have a presence at the Family Fun Zone, a free event open to the public that is held at a Wal-Mart parking lot during each FLW Tour event. The Family Fun Zone features interactive games and product displays for family members of all ages to enjoy. As a sponsor, Solar Bat will also have the opportunity to use the "Proud Sponsor of FLW Outdoors" logo on its products.
"Many anglers on our tours, including Guido and Dion Hibdon, use Solar Bat's products on a daily basis, which is the perfect testimonial to the quality and effectiveness of their products," said Bill Petrowiak, vice president of marketing and communications for FLW Outdoors. "FLW Outdoors is proud to be associated with Solar Bat."
For more information about Solar Bat, visit SolarBat.com or call (800) 761-8228. For more information about FLW Outdoors tournaments, visit FLWOutdoors.com or call (270) 252-1000.