Jordan Brand to Host Chris Paul's Summer 2009 China Tour
Jordan Brand, a division of NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE), announced today it will host Chris Paul's China Tour the first week of August which will include the cities of Tianjin and Guangzhou. The popular Team Jordan member will meet with fans in China, teach talented Chinese youth techniques to improve their basketball skills and demonstrate the importance of giving back to the community. Paul will arrive in Tianjin on August 2 and also visit Guangzhou on August 3-4, 2009.
Chris Paul was handpicked by Michael Jordan to become a member of Team Jordan in his rookie season due to his natural leadership skills and undeniable talent. In the short time that he has been in the league, Paul has helped create significant achievements for his team with his on-court abilities and leadership. At the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Paul not only contributed to the USA Basketball Team Gold Medal, but he also won the heart of Chinese fans with his inimitable skills. During the 2008-09 season, Paul broke the record for consecutive games with a steal, tallying a steal in 106 straight games. Now heading into his fifth season with the New Orleans Hornets, Chris Paul has become one of the league's best point guards and is poised to become a star player for many years to come.
Last summer, Chris Paul was invited to China pre-Olympics with Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and fellow Team Jordan athlete Carmelo Anthony to the Take On the World Tournament Final in Shanghai to cheer on young Chinese players and celebrate their victory. Subsequently, he did not let the public down as he helped the U.S. Basketball Team win the gold medal in the Beijing Olympics. This summer, Chris Paul returns to China to encourage young Chinese players to strive and achieve their basketball dreams.
"I'm looking forward to being in China again and getting a chance to see firsthand how young point guards handle their skills on the court. I understand these young players from all over China are very talented and will be joining me in Tianjin and Guangzhou to demonstrate their skills," said Chris Paul, "The runner-up team at last year's Take on the World Tournament was from Guangzhou and I can still remember how well they played. I look forward to seeing their progress and will encourage them to improve not only in their basketball skills but also in life, so that they can excel both on and off the court."
Chris Paul, known as a feisty competitor on the court, continues to gain accolades for his off the court behavior and charitable contributions to his hometown of Winston-Salem, North Carolina and New Orleans, Louisiana where he plays professionally. Basketball fans know internationally that he has deep affection for his family, especially his grandfather. The story of his scoring 61 points to honor his grandfather still rings deep in the heart of his fans and, in turn, earns him respect and admiration.
Whether on or off the court, Paul remains a role model who is highly respected by his fans. In addition to the on-court skills he will teach young Chinese athletes during his tour of China with Jordan Brand, Paul will continue his spirit of giving by participating in a charity event and basketball court dedication with his fans.
As a premier athlete for the Jordan Brand, Chris Paul will launch his signature Jordan CP3.II China Edition shoe in China on August 3 for a suggested retail price of 990¥. The shoe will also be available exclusively at House of Hoops in the U.S. for a suggested retail price of $135 USD.
