Press release:
FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif., April 13, 2015 – Oakley, Infinite Hero Foundation and Team Red, White and Blue (RWB) have partnered to host a surf clinic for military veterans in conjunction with the 2015 Oakley Lowers Pro. Oakley ambassadors and coaches will join volunteers from Team Red, White and Blue for the clinic on Sunday, April 26, from 8 am to 2 pm at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, California. The event will be part of a weekend of activities for veterans as part of Team RWB’s Veterans Surf Camp and Leadership Development program funded by Oakley’s charitable partner, Infinite Hero Foundation.
“The Oakley Lowers Pro is located in a prime surf location on land owned by the United States Navy and adjacent to Camp Pendleton,” said Cuan Petersen, Oakley Global Sports Marketing Director. “While hosting some of the world’s best surfers from around the globe during our event, Oakley believes it is also important to acknowledge the relevance of this historic location and give back to the veterans who selflessly protect our freedom.”
Infinite Hero Foundation is deeply committed to rewarding the sacrifice and bravery of those who have risked their lives serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The Foundation’s focus is on driving innovation and accessibility to effective treatments, both mental and physical, for military heroes and their families. Team RWB is a well-matched collaborator as their mission is to enrich the lives of American veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity to help with reintegration from active duty and recovery from combat wounds.
“We’re extremely thankful to Oakley and the Infinite Hero Foundation for making this camp possible,” said Andrew Hutchinson, Team RWB Director of Camps and Special Programs. “Through this camp, we are creating leaders for Team RWB and the community and empowering our veterans to take ownership of their health, lives, and reintegration. There’s something very symbolic about surfing — getting up time and again after falling — that can be carried over to life.”
Team RWB produces camps and events across the nation on cycling, triathlon, rock climbing, trail running and other outdoor activities. With the help of the Infinite Hero Foundation, Team RWB has been able to expand their activities throughout the Pacific region serving hundreds of veterans and their families in their own communities each year.
“This was honestly one of the best experiences of my life and will be forever grateful for having this opportunity granted to me,” said former Veteran camp attendee. “Thank you Team RWB. I look forward to working with this organization and paying it forward…this camp was the catalyst I needed for me to step up from a follower to a leader within my chapter in Team RWB.”
Veterans participating in the Oakley surf clinic will also be invited to attend the Oakley Lowers Pro on the opening day of competition, Tuesday, April 28, as Oakley’s VIP guests. Oakley athlete autographed surfboards will be auctioned online to raise money and awareness for Infinite Hero Foundation.
The Oakley Lowers Pro returns to Lower Trestles April 28 through May 2, after a two-year hiatus. The first World Surfing League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 10,000 event of the season, a field of 96 of the world’s best surfers will go head to head for a $250,000 prize purse and bevy of WSL points.
Fans around the world can tune into the Oakley Lowers Pro live webcast at www.oakleylowerspro.com for live video coverage and scoring for all five days of competition.
For more information on the Oakley Lowers Pro, follow the action at www.oakleylowerspro.com, on Facebook @Oakley, on Twitter @Oakley and Instagram @Oakleysurfing. Join the conversation at #oakleypro.
The 2015 Oakley Lowers Pro would not be possible without the generous support of sponsors. Special thanks go out to Oakley, SURFER, California State Parks and Naked Juice.
About the Infinite Hero Foundation
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Infinite Hero Foundation combats the most difficult front line issues – mental and physical – facing returning military heroes and their families. The Foundation funds programs that drive innovation and the accessibility of effective treatments for military heroes and their families dealing with service-related mental and physical injuries. For more information, visit www.infinitehero.org.
About Team Red, White and Blue
Team Red, White and Blue (Team RWB) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with headquarters in Tampa, FL. Team RWB’s mission is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activities. Founded in 2010, Team RWB is bringing veterans, their families, and American citizens together through authentic social interaction, community physical fitness and shared experiences in over 115 communities across the globe. To learn more about Team Red, White & Blue and how you can help, visit www.teamrwb.org.
About Oakley, Inc.
Established in 1975 and headquartered in Southern California, Oakley is one of the leading product design and sport performance brands in the world. The holder of more than 750 patents, Oakley is a culture of creators, inventors, idealists and scientists obsessed with using design and innovation to create products and experiences that inspire greatness. This philosophy has made Oakley one of the most iconic and inimitable brands on the market, with products that world-class athletes around the globe depend on to compete at the highest level possible. Oakley is known for its High Definition Optics, which feature unparalleled optical clarity and precision along with impact resistance and UV protection, incorporated into all of the brand’s sun, prescription eyewear and premium goggles. Oakley extended its position as the world’s leading sports eyewear brand into apparel and accessories. Oakley has men’s and women’s product lines that appeal to Sports Performance, Active and Lifestyle consumers. Oakley is a subsidiary of Luxottica Group. Additional information is available at www.oakley.com.
About SURFER
In 1960, SURFER Magazine began as the original. After a long history of delivering provocative and insightful editorial features, revealing interviews and award winning state-of-the-art photography, SURFER remains the authoritative voice of the surfing world and thus earned the moniker “the bible of the sport.” The SURFER brand has also grown to include Surfermag.com, Fantasy Surfer, and the SURFER message boards. All of these assets combine to make the SURFER network the most current and reliable channel of information to the surf community. The magazine is published by TEN: The Enthusiast Network, which reaches more than 22-million active sports enthusiasts through an integrated network of magazines, online properties, events and television programming. To learn more, visit www.surfermag.com
About TEN: The Enthusiast Network
TEN: The Enthusiast Network is the world’s premier network of enthusiast brands, such as MOTOR TREND, AUTOMOBILE, HOT ROD, SURFER, TRANSWORLD, and GRINDTV. With more than 50 publications, 60 websites, 50 events, 1,000 branded products, the world’s largest automotive VOD channel, and the world’s largest action/adventure sports media platform, TEN inspires enthusiasts to pursue their passions. For more information, visit www.enthusiastnetwork.com
